This is Why

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 

Photo Credit: Kerry B. Wix
@kboriginals

Click Here for the Strut Marks Audio Version

There are times when those outside the fold pose the question- why do you hunt turkeys -or- what makes turkey hunting so special? This is a question that many struggle to answer, and five different people are likely to furnish five different answers. Anyone who is truly passionate about something has their own reasons why that are specific to them. For me you ask??................

It’s the early morning sneak through a dark, quiet house.

It’s the familiar smell of my camouflage as you dress for the task that lies ahead.

It’s the feel of well-worn boots underfoot that have carried me countless miles.

It’s the steam from the fresh, hot coffee.

It’s my senses being jarred to life by the first sip.

It’s the greeting from a blanket of stars overhead.

It’s the cool, crisp air and a calm wind.

It’s the drive to my favorite spot.

It’s the hug from my vest or favorite hunting coat.

It’s the comfort of a well-seasoned lucky hat.

It’s the weight of my shotgun over my shoulder.

It’s leaving the truck and pressing into the dark unknown.

It’s the owl putting the finishing touches on the night’s work.

It’s the reverberation of the Chuck Will’s Widow singing herself to sleep.

It’s the electricity of anticipation in the growing daylight.

It’s the cardinal’s call signaling the end of the wait.

It’s the quick prayer for safety and guidance throughout the day that breaks before me.

It’s that uptick in my heartrate furnished by the first gobble of the morning.

It’s the thought that goes into which chess piece to move next.

It’s that reassuring gobble after making a confident setup.

It’s matching wits with natures most formidable foe.

It’s communicating with something that epitomizes wild and untamed.

It’s the growing volume of his gobble signaling that “He’s coming!”.

It’s the nervous unknown while waiting for him to break into view any second.

It’s catching that first glimpse of him making his careful approach.

It’s deceiving his keen senses and heavy caution.

It’s feeling the vibration of his drumming in my chest.

It’s the unmatched feeling of when he crosses into range.

It’s that fraction of a second that time seems to stand still, just the trigger releases the firing pin.

It’s the smell of burned gunpowder that lingers in the air after the shot.

It’s the feeling of gratitude as I recognize what a blessing I have just received.

It’s the white cap he wears on his head.

It’s the dark iridescence of his neck, back, and breast feathers.

It’s the deep copper of a well-matured wing patch.

It’s wingtips worn from his courtship dance.

It’s the chestnut brown of his tail fan. 

It’s the pebbling on the pads of his feet.

It’s the heavier load for the walk out of the woods.

It’s being overcome by emotion in reverence for those who showed me the way.

It’s feeling closer to of those who have passed on- mentors, family, friends, and friends who became family bonded over a common love for the pursuit of a bird.   

It's sharing it all with someone who is special to me.

It’s the look of enchantment in the eyes of a child, and the child-like look of enchantment in the eyes of an adult in the moments after their first encounter.

It’s the memories that are burned into my soul… forever.

It’s reliving those memories with family and friends.

It’s the same for almost no one.

It’s different for almost everyone. 

For many it’s a collection of things, a culmination of feelings or emotions.

Some can be explained. 

Many cannot. 

Everyone has a reason. What is yours?

This is why.

Photo Credit: Jared Lewis

@j_lewisphoto