September 26th, 2016- Trempealeau County, WI
Today I had my first successful (in terms of getting game) medieval hunt. I was set up with the clothing and equipment of a 14th century forester and was using my homemade crossbow. I was out in a fine spot that I have scouted and where I have found a lot of deer sign. My plan was to hunt deer, but this is not quite what happened.
About an hour before dark, I heard movement coming up one of the deer trails. As it came through the brush, I noticed it was not a deer but a coyote. I had my crossbow leveled and as he stepped into the open, I took a shot at just shy of 20 yards. The quarrel passed completely through, and I could see it lying on the ground, red with blood. I knew it had been a good shot, and the quarrel was a good sign.
I waited until near dark, hoping for a deer to come but knowing the scent of the coyote would not help. I then started the long process of trailing the coyote. It did not leave much blood, and he ran off at high speed. On scant to almost no blood, I slowly trailed it, at times on hands and knees, about 80 yards. I found him lying on a trail where he had died on the run.
Our coyote population is back on the rise, which is somewhat concerning. I like coyotes and love hearing them at night, but they can devastate the populations of the animals they prey upon when unchecked. With a population that has been a bit more under control lately, we have been seeing rabbits, fox, etc. again. I would like to see it remain this way. This is one step towards maintaining that balance.
From the 17th and 18th Century, I am so sorry we have lost you.
Good hunt in our past!
From the futures past, Paul
Not lost… just wandering a bit.