That sound you just heard was my season coming to an end. Although, you would’ve had to be listening hard, because instead of going out with a bang, it ended with more of a whimper.

I’ve spent the last couple weeks analyzing what I’ve learned since September and realize even though I didn’t stick a trophy buck – or any buck for that matter – I have meat in the chill chest and some really good stories to tell. And yes, I will make a nice big batch of tag soup and put it in the freezer. I’ll thaw some out from time to time so I can remember the mistakes I made throughout the prior season and ponder the true meaning of hunting obsession.

I guess that’s about all anyone can really hope for at season’s end. No broken bones or torn muscles, no equipment to replace or hospital bills to pay. Just the gentle reminder of the open space on the garage wall – the only place my wife will let me hang a trophy – that sits empty until next season.

So, it is with great regret that I officially bid adieu to the 2009 deer season and wait anxiously for April and the first day of turkey season when I hope to redeem my status as El Presidente of the MBBA and move back to the general membership. (Speaking of which, keep an eye out in the coming weeks for a photo of yours truly in the official MBBA El Presidente shirt.)