Dave’s quote of the week

“Keep in mind what’s beyond your target.”

Hello everyone,

Three men went on a pheasant hunt last Monday. One gray-haired, one brown-haired and the third had locks of gold. The golden-haired man I noticed was a tremendous wing shot, I also noticed that he didn’t shoot at a pheasant until it had reached an elevation well above the dogs so as to ensure their safety.

The big strong blonde man went to shoot at a bird on the wing but as he swung his 20 gauge Remington pump he quickly noticed it was in line with two pick-up trucks parked way out in the middle of the cut corn field. His gun came down quickly and he put his firearm on safety. It was a perfect picture of hunting safety.

Even though the trucks in the field were 250 yards away he knew the right thing to do was not to shoot. He had presence of mind in the excitement of the hunt to remember what he had been taught. He also remembered all of his safety lessons the week before when he took a buck with his bow. The man I’m speaking of is Erik Christensen; he’s 11 years old.

His is a prime example of teaching your children well. Erik has had extensive training from his father Kurt since he was right fresh out of diapers. He is also a graduate of one of the state’s hunter safety courses. This young man’s woods abilities, knowledge, and gun handling safety are well beyond his years and a true gem of a young lad to hunt with.

There isn’t a bird, deer, moose or anything worth taking a chance for; you always have to keep in mind what is beyond your target.

Two years ago while deer hunting in Limington, a big male coyote appeared in front of me and quickly bolted to my right. I shouldered my rifle and swung with the moving animal only to soon discover a house in the perimeter of my scope. I was amazed, WOW, where did that house come from? Needless to say, the coyote lived another day.

In the past decade I have noticed buildings, houses, and even livestock where before was nothing but trees and woods. We now live in a rapidly changing landscape, so please be aware as safety is first and foremost.

Rifle season opens Oct. 27 for deer for Maine residents and resumes the following Monday for out-of-state hunters. There seems to be a lot of deer and a bumper crop of little ones, so look them over before you let the lead fly.

Until next time, hunt hard, hunt safe.

Hutch