(Published January 8, 2026)

Gary Miller
gary@outdoortruths.org

I can't remember when I was so happy at the end of a deer season. Not that I was happy it was over, but I was happy it ended in such a memorable way. Let me tell you about it. I spent four days in the Midwest as I do every year. During this time of the year, the deer are coming to food - including the big bucks. They're trying to put back on all the weight they lost during the rut. If you are where the food is, you will see deer. Sometimes you'll see a nominal amount and other times an above average amount. This was the year for an above average amount. But what was so intriguing to me was to be able to watch how the deer acted under different weather conditions, wind directions, and even a bit of human intervention. Let me say first, I didn't harvest a buck. I shot one on the second day and watched a skiff of snow cover all the signs. The next morning we were still not able to find any sign or any deer. So, that kept the trip from being perfect. But it did not keep it from being a time I will never forget.
The most unforgettable day was when we decided to drive the side by side all the way up to the blind because of some gear we needed to unload. We parked it about 20 yards behind the blind, but in full sight of most deer. About 2 hours before dark, the deer began to wander into the 25-acre corn field. The doe's noticed the side by side, were a little squeamish, but decided it was just the farmer running around the farm. Most stayed in the field throughout the evening. The bucks' reactions were altogether different. Some stayed at the edge of the field, some refused to come in, and others hurried to a distance in the field far enough away from any perceived danger. It really was amazing to me to watch all the different ways these bucks responded to this strange but stationary piece of equipment. I'm sure their different reactions came about according to their age, maturity, past experiences, and genetics. Each one responded in a way they thought was right. And in a way they thought was best for everyone. Even though many of the other deer did not agree. I wish humans could learn this lesson.
Have you ever wondered why some people react differently from you? Have you ever wondered why someone can see the see the exact same scene, and tell the story from a different perspective? Have you ever wondered how someone can see a problem and decide the best way to solve it is totally different than how you would solve it? Maybe they're not wrong. Maybe they are just coming from another place. And instead of assuming the worst, maybe the better response from all of us is grace.

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men's events for churches and associations.