Some of the best sleep I have ever gotten has been in the woods. Leaning against a tree while on the ground during spring gobbler season as the soft breezes blow will send you right into dreams of long beards, big bucks or a great day on the river. However, it is what happens when you open those eyes that might make you regret taking that nap!
Take last week for instance. I had had a long, tiring day at work. When I could scoot away to my truck and squeeze in an hour and a half of hunting, I opted for a sit among some scattered pine saplings and broomsedge on a powerline hillside with plenty of view and range for my Savage 220 slug gun.
However, when I arrived at my spot and sat down, I realized how tired I was. Knowing the best action would be at least a half hour, if not an hour later, I decided to take a quick "combat nap." I propped my gun on the bipod low to the ground, put the seat under my head, curled up and propped my pack up in front of me so I could peer over it and still not be seen very easily if I moved. Instantly, I was out. The sun was hitting the hillside, I was warm, a few birds were calling and no humans were arguing (for a change).
Thirty-three minutes later I woke, but I did not immediately open my eyes. Numerous previous experiences have taught me that sometimes you have company in close quarters when you're sleeping and waking up. So, I slowly popped open my left eye since I was lying on my right side curled up. I saw movement on the other side of my pack. Had it been summertime I would have been a bit nervous thinking a snake, namely a copperhead, might be among the grass. However, it was December and that was highly unlikely.
Imagine my surprise when a big fat, creamy-bellied field mouse scampered up on my pack with a peanut from my bag of trail mix in its jaws. It munched that nut right in front of me! I opened both eyes, took a quick look downrange and then sent the rodent high tailing it. So much for my trail mix!
Another time I was sitting at the base of a tree during crossbow season for deer because I knew I was going to nap, and I knew going up in a stand was dangerous in that condition. So, I propped the crossbow up on my knees, pulled my facemask down and grabbed some shuteye. Again, after just a short time I woke up, opened one eye and then stiffened up. On the arrow in my quiver on my crossbow was my favorite songbird, a Carolina wren.
It saw my eye pop open and started telling the world something was amiss. I kept my other eye shut until it flew, but was surprised when I felt it land on my hat. Then even more surprised when it hung nearly upside down from the brim of my ball cap and peered under it right into my eyes. I instinctively tried to pull back, but with no where to go it only spooked the little bird enough to fly back to the quiver and then to my gloved hand where I could feel its tiny little claws as it hopped around on my hand and wrist telling everyone what was going on. I had a tough time not laughing. My smile moved the mask furthering the bird’s curiosity. This went on until my numb rear end needed some relief. I had to move and was sad to see the little wren go.
Yet another time I was also sitting in the early October woods with my crossbow in hand and decided to steal a nap. I had a leafy jacket, pants and ball cap on, but I didn't wear a mask because it was so warm. I was hidden pretty well to the sides and front, and had a small red oak I was leaning against. I guess at some point I listed off to the side some ... maybe I was snoring ... I'm not sure.
However, I was sure something woke me up. I stared hard to the front and sides best I could and then I was confused, knowing something really had startled me. Before I decided to shift, I felt warm breath on my right ear and ... something tickled my ear. I could not help myself. I ditched the crossbow and rolled away from the tree, terrified. Imagine my surprise to see a fawn bounding away before stopping after a short distance. It was snorting a bit and stamping, which brought its twin towards it. Momma, surprisingly, seemed unconcerned some 30 yards further. I could just make her out among the trees.
Now I was stuck. I did not want to alarm the woods, so I had to lie there watching as the pair of fawns started my way stretching their necks out and sniffing and then stopping to stamp their tiny glistening black hooves before pretending to run away only to come back closer. This went on for five minutes or so but felt like an eternity. I was cramped up bad, and I could feel ticks crawling on me too. The fawns were very curious and the thing that saved me is that momma finally sounded off sharply and they grudgingly turned and trotted her way. The one fawn stopped about 20yards away and looked back right into my eyes for a long stare.
I will never forget that pair of fawns and many, many other naps I have taken and been treated to some cool sights when I woke up in the woods! Some caused me great fear when I was trying to figure out what in the world I allowed into my personal space, but nearly all of the encounters have been memorable in a great way. Just don’t wake up with a snake going up your pants leg. [Editor's Note: Wait, what?] Oh, but that is another story for another time!
