EOTD—“Deer Stalking” / by Nicholas Breeden

Scott’s high Gore-tex boots left fat prints in the sludge of decaying leaves and meltwater, as he stalked through the thick wet snow.  Finding the trunk of a large tree, he pressed his back against the black bark and peered around the side.

A buck grazed about forty yards away, its back to the tree.

Scott smiled, then pressed his lips together and broke cover. Crouching low, he crept along a dip in the ground toward the next trunk, pausing when the buck turned toward him.  Scott quietly positioned himself to take the shot.  Inhaling, he squeezed the shutter release.