I am glad to report that more than a few deer were taken last saturday by area youth. In my own family two young cousins have stepped up to uphold family traditions and are now legitimate deer slayers.

Although I have no picture available for my other cousins deer. Be assured young Rueben got it done. His very proud grandfather  and Uncle Vernon wasting little time in getting out that he too had stepped up. Both of these young men should be proud of their accomplishments. But a young lady has also stepped up.

Although this is her second year of eligibilty. This is her first deer….and she took him with a single shot from her .243 that Grampy bought her last year. 100 grns of lead and now a lifetime of memories. I know her dad is some proud. Yes boys…. the little lady got a buck!!

Know any other kids who should be heralded on this page?  Send me a picture and a few words over to: aroostookbasser@yahoo.com  title it “Deer pics for youth day” in the subject line. I’ll post it here and you can share their success with all of us!!! Please give just the childs first name…. can never be too careful these days.

Here’s a few Targets to get you started. Print off plenty and shoot often. Take the whole family to the range and make a day of it.

This time each year marks that short but much heralded season of life in Aroostook, HUNTING SEASON!!!!!!

From the start of Bird Season on( Oct.1st.) the hunters are among us and out everyday looking. Yes we have earlier hunting for bears over bait or with dogs.  Not to mention the annual Moose Hunt. But for most of us here in the county the birds, bunnies and ”Bambi” seasons are our main focus.  Cruising the woodlots and overgrown field edges for smallgame. Then sitting on a stump for hours waiting for that deer to waltz down that trail from off that ridgeline. These are the seasons of joyous memories.

Oh you can celebrate the bear harvests..in tshirts and shorts. Join the moose exodus and caravans cruising the “Cowteam” and the “Harvey Siding” Roads in 4×4 pickups that never get muddy.

To truly appreciate the fall and the hunts in Aroostook. The leaves need to drop, the birds must flush wildly and the rabbits outrun the beagles more times than not. All while you see your breath and feel the frost under foot. The coolness of fall preparing you for the arctic hell yet to come. For now though, you can bask in the sun of Indian Summer and frosted mornings.

Listening to the furtive rustling as something dashes ahead of you and your canine companion.  Then burst into the air like a leafblown pirotechnicdisplay. Testing your ability to recover, adjust and connect on the wing.  The tumbled grouse falling back to earth all brownish grey and whitemottled belly. Retrieved by the Brittainy bred for this day down through 50 generations or more. Her softmouth caressing the downy chest and breast of the tasty acrobat. Carrying it to your hand and dropping it into your fingers as loyally as her parentage proclaimed. The completion of the task, art in form and function. Repeated on every trail and meadow throughout Aroostook for now is the time of the hunter. A time to harvest and remember our roots and traditions. Each hunt fills a need in our very souls, one that defies explanation unless you are raised in the tradition. A connection to our past that guides us into our future. A grounding of our beings to the earth that bears us and sustains us. Just our part of the cycle of living. Right here in the heart and soul of Aroostook.