The Hunt

Tonight I took part in the time honored annual ritual of the Christmas tree hunt. Knowing that it is better to hunt in packs (safety in numbers and all that) I decided to take Jilian up on an offer to let me accompany her and Abby into the wilderness. So after work we met up and with all our hunting survival gear we set off. We drove for hours into the countryside looking for the best place to find a wandering tree. Soon we were in God’s country. When we got out of the car I swear I could hear banjo’s playing off in the distance. Actually it was a half hour drive to Joe’s farm, or something like that, but don’t let the farm concept fool you these were definitely wild trees and we were going to have to be careful.

We started by quietly sneaking around the unsuspecting herd looking for the best specimens trying not to scare them off. Abbey initially kept pointing to the smaller trees and Jilian and I would have to remind her that you don’t kill the young ones. I am not sure if she kept picking them because she was afraid of tackling a full grown tree or if she is just sadistic like that. Anyway, after carefully searching we found our targets. We devised a plan where Jilian and I would sneak up and then with wild shouts herd them towards a hiding Abbey who would surprise and grab them as they went by. I would then deliver the killing blow. After a few unsuccessful attempts we were finally victorious. It was a good thing we wore camouflage clothing and put paint on our faces.

Now it was time to take our prizes back to the car. I had picked out a normal size tree but of course Jilian had insisted on a large alpine. At first it looked like she was going to have trouble getting it back up to the car so I offered to help but she insisted that she could do it. Being the kind of guy I am I said ok and walked away with my fresh kill. With a little help from Abbey Jilian did manage to pull the dead carcass out of the wilderness. We took them to the rancher’s barn where they tied them up for loading onto the roof of the car. You know that tie job where a tree that was once six feet in diameter has the branches pulled close and now looks like a six inch wide green pole. It was awesome.

So we dropped mine off at the house and after getting my car I came home to get my prize kill mounted. Fortunately I was able to get it in to the stand with out much trouble. I think having it tied up helps. Then I cut the rope and like magic the green pole became a tree again. I have decorated it and I am now ready to receive gifts. If you don’t know how to get my gift to me I would be happy to help you out.

Yup all decorated. :)