HUNTING FEVER

Now we are having some fun. We’re smack dab in the middle of hunting season, and life is good in Louisiana.

David Demarie and his nine-year-old Dylan were hunkered down in a duck blind, and the birds were working. Dylan was hoping for his first bird on a flying shot.

Nine-year-old Dylan Demarie with his first widgeon drake.

Dad, who was dedicated to giving his youngster a fair chance, wasn’t raising his shotgun. A beautiful widgeon drake worked the decoys, set his wings, and was all in.

Dylan tracked the bird, flipped his safety to fire, and it was showtime.

He swung his gun with the bird and squeezed off a shot. The bird folded, and this young hunter was no longer a virgin. After rousing high fives with his Dad, Dylan was excited to dial up grandpa on his cell phone.

His grandfather is John Demarie, old number 65, former offensive guard for the Cleveland Browns. He was just as excited as Dylan, and like all die-hard hunters, can remember his first kill shot like it was just yesterday. This was a special day.

Hunting seasons provide a great opportunity to bond with young hunters. Grandfathers Lonnie Fisette and Charles Marcantel headed west to Doss, Texas, for an all-boys hunting trip.

“Poppie” Fisette watched proudly as his protégé Chase Ardoin put the smack-down on a fine eight-point Texas buck. Lonnie couldn’t wipe the smile off and couldn’t have been happier if he had pulled the trigger himself.

Next up was Charles Marcantel and grandson William Paul, who had a severe case of buck fever. All it took was one well-placed shot, and W.P. also had his grandpa smiling from ear to ear. Neither will ever forget this fine day.

Travis Toten is a proud member of the boys in blue. He followed his dad’s lead in choosing law enforcement as his profession. He also follows him every deer season to their deer lease in El Dorado, Ark. He learned from his father’s deer hunting success and now he has experienced his own.

This year, Travis waited patiently for his opportunity at a mature buck. It felt good just to be outdoors, but he had an itch that needed to be scratched.

The 10-point buck that appeared out of thin air was the sure cure for the itch. He squeezed off a practiced shot. This year, he would bring the venison back to Louisiana. His dad had the eternal smile that comes when a youngster has success.

The husband and wife team of Mac Watson and wife Dena were doing what they love. They were surrounded by bucks near Sonora, Texas, trying to pick out the best shooter. Dena was on point, and ready to rock and roll, as Mac checked the bucks closely.

Mac was quietly describing his first pick when Dena rocked his world. Her shot rang out and a mature buck at 140 yards bought the farm. She picked just the right buck, besting her best deer ever, and made Mac’s day.

It has been an unseasonably warm winter thus far, causing hunters to pick their days wisely. We’re in an all too familiar warming trend with a south wind and lows in the 60s.

Hang in there, boys and girls. Maybe December will blow in some winter weather. Until then, enjoy your time in the great outdoors and don’t forget the skeeter spray!