Man and Boy

They came from the eastern part of deep woods in the earliest of sunrise, eager for ruffed grouse. The man, with his three shot .410 and the boy, not yet thirteen, carrying the man’s 30-30 seven shot Winchester rifle. He was a mature lad, trained by his father in the ways of the safety of the gun, and responsible in the eyes of the man walking about fifteen feet to his right side. The man’s name is Larry and the boy is, Roy.

An early breakfast outdoors was a special treat. Getting away from the job for a Saturday trip was not only invigorating but a chance to show young Roy how to deal with the woods. And maybe get a partridge too, specifically ruffed grouse. 

Breakfast was fun. The man collected dry kindling from short dead branches from several pine trees. They erupted in flame and licked at the larger dry pieces of wood found by the boy. Considering there was a three-inch snow covering still lingering in this part of the woods. It was also an experience for the boy to watch the preparation for their small fire.

The man scooped all the snow in a two foot circle until the bare ground showed. Then they build their fire without melting snow from beneath, putting out the fire. Bacon and sausage consumed and outdoor coffee made from their snow filled can hanging across the fire filled tummies. A frozen chocolate bar finished the recipe.

A quarter of mile away, one large snout scooped scent from the light breeze. It was an odour foreign to this area. Intruder was a caution in his brain and a low rumble existed his lips. The black bear was large, not afraid of any intrusion since his charging hulk scared off moose and deer quite easily. They had no problem avoiding any confrontation with this possessive bear, and were happy to recognize this area as his territory.