A Date with Destiny

[Jethro]

I have been asked if this story is real, and what I can say is this. The buck is real, as well as the rifle. I am real as well. So are my Father-in-law, and my son. The Woods is a real place, one that I enjoy very much. The depictions and events that are a portrayed are a pretty accurate rendition of what actually took place, though perhaps some literary license was taken for the sake of the story. The only thing I really don’t know for sure is if the buck I have pictures of in 2007, is the same buck I have pictures of last week. It may not be the same buck, but the Ghost was old, and had escaped detection for a long time, and it sure could be him. Whether he was a ghost or just a wandering buck, I will never know for sure. That is part of the riddle. I prefer to remember it the way I wrote it at any rate, if just for the sake of the tale. Prove me wrong and I will change it.

The idea for the story began after I tried to write a short e-mail story about the hunt. It seemed the story rapidly outgrew the scope of the original idea, and began to take on a life of its own. What you see now is a fairly complete story which will be refined and fleshed out in more detail. When it is done I plan for it to be a Christmas gift for my Father-in-Law. TBH has been the sounding board for the story line, and I appreciate the encouragement you guys have given me.

There is one TBH’er that has a picture of The Ghost and the Winchester on his cell phone, taken while he is still in the woods, before he was ever moved. I looked back, and that message left my phone at 4:34 pm. Here’s at you Robert, you had the exclusive. It was a picture similiar to this, but still inside the woods with leaves all around.

[KNEE DEEP]

Thats good stuff right there.Awesome writing skills.

[Chew]

Thanks for writing that, Jethro. Great stuff!

[Deathrow Jethro]

All I can say is this is PURE GREATNESS... Thanks for sharing Jethro...

[Buckrunner]

Wow! Thank you for the awesome story! Congrats on your trophy.

[Jethro]

With my 3 year old daughter, who is already hooked. She just HAD to be in the picture. I also had to drive out past Marilla before I went home, my son was stripping cotton for his uncle and just had to see it. The legend lives strong with him as well.

For the record. I really thought about NOT posting pictures. Sometimes a story looses it's charm when it changes from fiction into fact. But, I posted them anyways. We all know the rule around THB, no pics, it didn't happen!

[Burnadell]

That is one awesome story and excellent spin on the words, Jeff! You really should consider sending in to some magazines. I remember when you built that Eiffel Tower of a ladder stand . Didn't it take half the town of Wellington to erect it? You also know I have to ask...was this in the hidey hole?

I had a date with Destiny once but I think that was just her stage name

That's funny stuff, right there!

X2 I bet it was the same girl!!!

Yeah...you and several thousand others!

[Archery1st]

Jethro - Bravo! You have mad skills. Outstanding story and incredibly well read.

Thanks for sharing.

[Archery1st]

Jethro - Bravo! You have mad skills. Outstanding story and incredibly well read.

Thanks for sharing.

[Burnadell]

Oh yeah, congratulations on taking the Ghost. That buck has some character.

Cool picture with your daughter holding the rifle...taller than she is.

[Stuck]

Great story, makes me feel like the deer I've shot in the past have been taken for granted and not thoroughly enjoyed.

[scotth89]

Great story, you have a unique ability with words. Congrats.

[doole44]

Great Story...Great Write Up...

[VorTexan]

words can't express...but wait they did!

excellent job both on and off the stand!

[lameduck]

I can't add any thing that has not allready been said,but to say thank you.