I started hunting about 10 years ago.

My first trip, and all trips afterwards, were to uncle Stanley’s cabin near Trinity (Clair Engles) Lake.

That property is a special place to me. It’s full of great memories. I have looked forward to going there every year since my first.

But then last year we didn’t make our annual October week-long trip. Nor did we go this year. That left me feeling a little out of balance.

Last year we went camping up by Mt Lassen, my old stomping grounds. We camped near Mineral and hunted the local area. And me, knowing the area very well, spent the good-weather days fly fishing my favorite streams. It was a good trip, although very cold at night, but I missed Trinity.

This year we went to Nevada. Six of us went, and we came back with 3 nice bucks. That kind of success is all too rare in California.

Jimmy’s parents in Rye Patch were extrememly generous. Our accomodations were very comfortable. I am very thankful for the opportunity.

Nevada hunting is much different from California hunting. In California, we hunt in heavily forested areas, and our shots at deer are very rarely more than 100 yards. In Nevada, there are no trees, and we can see deer a mile (literally) away. Our shots at deer were at the limits of our abilities. The high desert was a once in a lifetime hunt.

I enjoyed my trip to Nevada, but I REALLy missed Trinity.

Two years in a row without a trip to Trinity? I never want to do that again.