A Heart Filled by the Book Cliffs

It was my first deer hunt. We woke up early in the morning and headed out to the Book Cliffs in Eastern Utah. It was finally opening day, the day I had been anticipating for months. I was both excited and nervous. I had hunted the Book Cliffs before. It was where I harvested my very first animal, a mountain lion, after putting in weeks of hard work in snowy conditions and tough terrain. I had spent over a month here bear hunting and camping with my Dad. The Book Cliffs has always had a special place in my heart, and now I had the chance to go on my first deer hunt there.

We spotted the deer within hours of daylight. It had crossed through a field and popped down into a canyon. My Dad, our friend, Brandon, and I all crept onto a rim overlooking the canyon. We spied the deer, along with another buck, about 100 yards below us. While Dad and Brandon held back, I crawled to the edge of the rim with my gun. Lying on my stomach, I struggled to quietly situate my rifle on the rocky rim. I spooked the deer in the process. They both took off running up the side of the canyon but at about 175 yards slowed to a walk and I was able to take my shot. My deer was down, and my Dad gave me a high-five to congratulate me on my first deer. I felt a wave of emotion, as I always do, when taking the life an animal. Gratitude, respect, and appreciation all washed over me.

I left the Book Cliffs that day not only with meat to fill the freezer, but with a heart full and even more special memories of hunting there with my Dad. – Keely Hopkins