On the final afternoon of Vermont’s rifle season, I sat in my shooter shack hoping for a buck to appear. Snow was falling, the wind was blowing and I was happy to be sheltered from the storm. I didn’t see any deer, but I experienced a wildlife encounter. I heard something moving nearby. The rustling noise sounded so close that I thought it might be something on the exterior wall of the shack. Sitting on a chair with my elbow resting on the windowsill of an open window, I was startled when a mouse ran onto the windowsill and darted straight at me within a foot of my face! Reacting instinctively, I backhanded the mouse and sent it flying through the air to land in the soft snow 10 feet away. This probably was a traumatic event for the mouse. I hope it caused no lasting damage, because (although I’m a remorseless killer of mice that invade my home), out in the wild I hold no animosity for mice.

This occurrence reminded me of another wildlife encounter that happened years ago in another shooter shack. This shack is elevated, with an 8 foot ladder ascending to the seat. I climbed into the stand before dawn one October morning with my crossbow, opened the window and sat in pitch darkness, waiting for daylight to arrive. Cool rain pattered on the roof as darkness gradually became gray. When things became visible in the dim light, I suddenly realized that there was a large hornets’ nest within a foot of my face! Without thinking, I reacted instinctively and swatted the nest with my right hand. Fortunately for me, the nest broke free and sailed out the window, plummeting to the ground below. If the morning had been warm and sunny, I probably would have been stung repeatedly for my spontaneous response. As it was, I suppose that the cool rain hindered the hornets’ mobility. For whatever reason, my impulsiveness went unpunished.

During the Vermont rifle season I saw 11 deer, a fisher and a weasel chasing a mouse. I had fun, both alone and with family and friends, and I harvested some New Hampshire venison. I intend to pursue more during Vermont’s muzzleloader season. Forecasts predict fresh snow, so I plan to spend time tracking, my favorite tactic. Whether I’m tracking or standing, I’ll appreciate whatever wildlife encounters come my way.



Michael Hahn Band varies in size from a duo to a six-piece band, depending upon the size and budget of the venue. They love to make music for any occasion. For bookings call 802-754-8889.

Upcoming Gigs:

First Night in St. Johnsbury on New Year’s Eve, time TBD

Bull Wheel at Jay Peak on Saturday, January 31 from 4 to 7