The One That Got Away | By Anonymous
“The One That Got Away” is a lovely short story about how deer season and all of its components can relate to life. In the story, the primary focus is on family gathered to hear stories about “the one that got away”. Both young and old sit to hear the exciting tales each has to tell. As stories and laughs are shared, we realize that deer hunting season is not only about hunting, but about family time and traditions. The hunter not only can escape to the woods, but can share good times with family when they get home. Each hunter has their “the one that got away” story to tell, in which the beautiful deer escaped. We realize that this can relate to life as well, that sometimes things slip us by, like an opportunity or time missed with loved ones. Overall, this story takes us on warm journey about the true reason for the season.
The One That Got Away
By Anonymous
There is arguably no holiday more important in the Northwoods of Wisconsin than the season surrounding what others call “Thanksgiving.” Deer Hunting Season in Wisconsin is a nine day long tradition celebrated by more than a half-million hunters proudly emblazoned in fluorescent orange along with countless others who participate in family gatherings and social events surrounding these days. The long history of deer hunting in Wisconsin dates all the way back to 1851. Although different now, one can still walk the same landscapes, listen to stories being told of yesteryear, and feel the cold, brisk, November wind just as it blew 150 years ago. Along with this tradition, nearly every hunter can share a story of “The One That Got Away.” Recollecting a time when a mature whitetail deer proudly displaying his antlers somehow evaded the hunter’s keen eye and deadly skill. The deer left only to evaporate back into the dark woods leaving a frustrated yet thrilled hunter to hold the only proof of the encounter in his or her memory.
I had the pleasure to listen to one such story like this over this past hunting season told from the voice and memory of one of my nephews. The youngest of the listeners paid attention as if in a dream state. Trying to imagine them and drawing pictures in their minds of the story being told. Imaging their own encounter bound to happen and how they might react differently. Those listening who were older had curious smiles seemingly as if they wondered how much of the story was tall tale and which was strictly factual. Laughs were had and comparisons made. Those who shared in the experience had their own accounts and before long, friendly bantering soon lead to the foregone conclusion that the deer was simply smarter than the person holding the gun.
It’s stories like these shared in the company of family and friends that happen all over Wisconsin during the annual deer hunting season. It brings together people over a common purpose a time to make life simple. Deer hunting isn’t about buying gifts nor is it about ceremony or circumstance. It is simply about sharing time with people and giving anyone who participates the opportunity to both talk to friends and family but also take a walk into a quiet wood to relax and reflect. I can think of no better holiday experience than one which actually allows people to gather and relax. My same nephew, having missed his first day of deer hunting because of work, realized this year more than before the importance of such family traditions. He understood that the curious smiles on the faces while he told his story of the buck he missed and “The One That Got Away,” were not out of skepticism but instead of his elders realizing that he learned a new lesson. A lifelong lesson that is best learned only through experience. “The One That Got Away” which hurts the most has nothing to do with a deer.
Instead, life has a path for each of us and we all make choices. Sometimes the one that got away is a missed opportunity, such as time spent with family, or a chance at a new job.Maybe it was person that we wished we would have known better, or loved one who passed on before we got to tell them how much we loved them. “The One That Got Away” is an important lesson learned in life and one that can be experienced in the quiet November woods in Wisconsin.
Along with patience, appreciation for the simplicity, and more, the Deer Hunting holiday in Wisconsin is far more than just about harvesting animals. The real purpose in the holiday, I believe, is to bring people together with a common purpose to share in life’s lessons, build memories, and to prioritize what is truly most important. May I learn to appreciate the lesson learned about “The One That Got Away” and get to live and share in many more deer seasons and carry with me the lessons learned from the quiet woods.
