As I mentioned a few weeks ago I am trying to get my CORE course so that I can go bow hunting. An unfortunate part of this training is that I have to learn not only gun safety but actually how to handle a gun - safely. I would much prefer just learning a theoretical knowledge of gun safety but for some reason they expect me to touch them and stuff. Ed has just been tickled pink by this because since we have been married he has wanted me to be ok shooting guns. The bottom line is though I don't like guns. This weekend I had to suck it all up because as Ed pointed out - I am not going to inspire any confidence in my ability if I am holding the gun with my finger tips during my practical exam. I couldn't argue with that.
Ed, my dad and I went up a local back road and set up our own little shooting range. Ed and Dad were sighting in their 30-6 and 303 (just in case anyone out there knows what that means). All I know is that I NEVER want to shoot those things. They are loud and big and loud. Did I mention loud? Anyway I got to shoot the .22 instead. My biggest obstacle? The scope. Yup. Did you know that those things are tricky little bast***s. Took me a good ten minutes of squinting and trying each eye - trying both eyes - moving forward and back. Ugh. I eventually figured it out but not before I felt like a 2 yr old trying to wink for the first time.
I did eventually end up shooting the gun and even hitting the target - although not on the little bird that Ed drew for me. Just all around it like a ring of impending doom that never arrives.
So as we drove down the mountain I was feeling pretty good about myself. I held a gun and although I sucked at shooting it, that's ok because I want to hunt with my bow. When we got back to home base Ed and I spotted a male pheasant. With one look the hunt was on. I grabbed my bow and strung it while Ed grabbed the arrows. I passed my bow off (because I don't have my licence yet and didn't want to poach) and so began our Thanksgiving impromptu hunt. It ended up looking more like two crazies running around a hedge always a couple steps behind a loud flapping and squawking bird but it was blast. It was the inspiration I needed. I will continue to learn about stupid guns so that one day I can shoot my very own thanksgiving pheasant - with my bow.
Happy Thanksgiving All
Kate