Did you get anything? Since returning from an archery deer hunt in Wyoming that is a question I hear frequently.

Did you get anything? Yes I did. I got two special new friends. Two wonderful women who at the start of the trip were, for the most part, Internet entities. Immediately upon meeting Janice and Paula I felt a common bond. Throughout the trip we talked, shared experiences and dreams. Their hunting ethics and abilities were outstanding. By the end of the trip I felt like I had known both of them all of my life. I couldn’t ask for two better friends or hunting buddies.

Did you get anything? Yes I did. I got a new circle of friends who welcomed me to the group wholeheartedly and made me feel at home. Friends who went out of their way to make sure I experienced a truly wonderful hunt and who made sure I knew I was part of the family and always welcome.

Did you get anything? Yes I did. I got to experience a totally different type of hunt than what I was used to, the most mentally and physically challenging hunt I ever had, and rose to that challenge. I got a new perspective on myself and liked what I saw.

Did you get anything? Yes I did. I got to see some truly beautiful country that what so different from my home state. The area was rugged and harsh yet at the same time breathtakingly beautiful. I brought all of this beauty home with me in pictures.

Did you get anything? Yes I did. I got to see more wildlife than I ever could have expected. There were deer, antelope, rabbits, rabbits and more rabbits, fox, raccoons, eagles, turkeys, and squirrels. Oh yeah, I can’t forget the snakes. While I didn’t experience an old fashioned western rattlesnake, I did see garter snakes. I tried to catch one but they are really fast.

But did you get anything? Did you fill your tag, shoot a deer? Oh, no I didn’t shoot a deer. While I had more than enough opportunities they were either small bucks or does with fawns. They deserved more time. And I got to see the big boy, even though he wasn’t close enough for a shot it was as thrilling as if I had him a full draw. And in the end it really didn’t matter that I didn’t get a shot. I already had gotten more from this hunt than I ever could have wished for. In my mind my tag was full.