Voices of Prois....Finding Your 'Huntress' Again
By: Prois Staffer, Kallee Romney
I grew up in the outdoors. My dad was always trying to get his three daughters out and hunting. I was fascinated by it all and really loved the concept of one, being with my father and two, being around God’s creations!
I have always been comfortable around a rifle and was able to learn about long range shooting from an early age. It was not until I was about 16 or 17 that I dabbled in archery. My dad bought me a bow for Christmas one year and I started practicing from there. I put in for an elk spike/cow unit near my home and that was my first experience with it. Though I was unsuccessful that year, it was always something that I wanted to try again.
I wasn’t able to go hunting for about a two to three year period because I chose to serve a church mission. When I got back however, I was able to hit the ground running. I did not pick up my bow but turned right to my rifle, my comfort zone. It wasn’t until after I was married and had two kids that I felt like I could really get back into that hobby that I loved.
We were recently stationed on an Air Force base where I was offered an amazing opportunity to be a guide at a new hunting ranch close by. SAJE Ranch provided me the opportunity to refine my skills and get back out into the hunting world. The base we were on permitted archery deer hunting. Once I learned that, I knew it was time to pick up my bow and start practicing again. I shot my bow at least 6 days a week and brought my kiddos with me. It was hot and windy but I finally seemed to get my bow tuned up and ready for opening weekend.
It was about 90 degrees opening day and people thought I was crazy for even trying to go out. Those first couple months I was out as much as possible. My husband was a trooper and took on the extra load at home so I could find my “huntress” again. We were set to move in a few months and I knew that I just wanted to get some meat in the freezer. No matter the size of the deer I was there for the experience and to prove to myself that I could do this!
One evening, I was sitting in my blind and I spotted the doe and fawn I had seen many times before. I loved watching them and it was so fun to see them interact with each other and the birds. All of the sudden, a buck appeared from behind them. I had seen this buck on the camera before, but never in person. I knew this was probably one of my last chances to harvest a deer so I took my sweet time. I drew back and put my pin right on his heart. I breathed in, held my breath, and squeezed my release. WACK, I heard the arrow hit. He ran into some brush and out of sight. We all know that feeling of excitement, but not being able to see the deer go down always leaves worry. I sat in my blind for 20 minutes, watching the doe and fawn who seemed not to mind the chaotic moment that just transpired. I then decided it was time to go out and look for my arrow before the sun went down completely. I found it and found a trail with some significant lung blood and knew I had hit where I had aimed.
Tracking was a long and humbling experience. Due to rules regarding hunting hours on the installation, I had to finish the tracking job the next morning. I woke up early and practically ran out the door to find my deer. He had bedded down and was lying in a nice grove of trees not far from where I took my shot. My kiddos and hubby were able to meet me and join in on the celebration and thankful prayer. It was a full circle moment where I was able to teach my young kids why we hunt and hopefully plant the seed that was planted in me so long ago.
Can’t wait for another moment like this!
