{"id":637,"date":"2022-02-03T09:24:57","date_gmt":"2022-02-03T09:24:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rbmoller.com\/?page_id=637"},"modified":"2023-10-09T01:57:25","modified_gmt":"2023-10-09T01:57:25","slug":"rb-moller-books","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rbmoller.com\/?page_id=637","title":{"rendered":"R.B. Moller Books"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The Ghost Deer<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Chapter 1<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Sawtooth Mountains, Central Idaho,<\/p>\n

June 24th<\/sup> 1987<\/p>\n

A branch snapped in the dense undergrowth, close enough to hear breathing. Inching forward, my hands sunk into the cool moss-covered earth, smelling of decayed leaves and rotting wood. Water seeped into a deep cloven hoofprint as big as my hand. Seconds passed, as I could only stare in disbelief.<\/p>\n

This must be an elk<\/em>. I wish Dad were closer<\/em>.<\/p>\n

I knew he was just sixty yards away at the top of the ridge, glassing the ravine for mule deer, but it felt like a mile.<\/p>\n

Knees wet, I repositioned myself, straining to see through the wall of branches smothering my view. A loud snort pierced the air. I dropped to my stomach. Small saplings swayed back and forth on the other side of the brush, accompanied by scraping sounds and snapping twigs. I laid my head on the ground, trying to become one with the soil. Slowly, I rose to my knees struggling to control my breath, hoping the creature\u2019s noise would cover my movement.<\/p>\n

I wish this wasn\u2019t a scouting trip!<\/em> I cursed inside, agonizing, that my first bow hunt was still over two months away.<\/p>\n

With only my arms, I drug my body forward inch by inch, craning my neck through the thinning branches. A massive white animal rubbed against the tree in front of me. I froze. Could this be the legendary muley buck Grandpa told stories about?<\/em> Sweat trickled down my forehead as I wiped my eyes.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, something crawled into my ear followed by searing pain. Jerking back, I swatted it away, stopping the hornet\u2019s attack. There was a loud \u201csnort,\u201d<\/em> then \u201cthump, thump, thump!\u201d<\/em> I bolted to my feet, frantically scanning the forest as a flash of white fur and a web of antlers disappeared into the trees.<\/p>\n

\u201cNoooo!\u201d I yelled.<\/p>\n

In pursuit I ran, dodging rock and brush. Branches clawing at my face and arms.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve got to get another look; I just have to!<\/em><\/p>\n

Dad called out from above. \u201cTater! You, ok?\u201d<\/p>\n

I cut across a meadow, running at full speed for the patch of pines where the buck disappeared. Upon rounding the corner, I skidded to a stop. A pine bow swayed back and forth as if waving goodbye, while the squirrels chattered\u2014laughing at my defeat.<\/p>\n

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