In the woods, a boy sat hidden in a pit he had dug near the deer's habitat. Camouflaged with dirt, branches, and leaves from nearby trees, I applied the dirt to my skin to close my pores and mask my scent, ensuring the deer wouldn't catch a whiff of me. I waited patiently, scanning the area. Then, I spotted my prey—a young deer feeding on berries from a nearby bush.
I quietly nocked an arrow, preparing to shoot. Just as I was about to release, something felt off. The woods were unnervingly quiet. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a coyote creeping toward the deer from behind, hidden in its blind spot.
Coyotes are one of the hardest animals to hunt, known for their intelligence, sharp senses, and adaptability. Their hearing and eyesight are impeccable, and they have an incredible sense of smell, making them nearly impossible to approach unnoticed. Coyotes are cautious and quickly learn from any failed attempts to catch them, adapting their movements to avoid danger.
Seeing the coyote changed my approach. Instead of pursuing the deer, I decided to hunt the predator itself. I had to observe it carefully before taking my shot. Coyotes are elusive, and predicting their movements is nearly impossible. My mind raced through potential strategies, and I knew that to hunt a predator, I had to think like one—patience, cunning, and respect for the hunt were key.
I steadied myself and released the arrow.
The arrow flew true, striking the coyote in the chest. It pierced its lungs, and the coyote only had a few minutes left before death would claim it. The sound of the impact startled the deer, causing it to bolt away before I could react. I approached the coyote slowly, ensuring it suffered no longer, and ended its life by swiftly slitting its throat.
With the coyote on my sleigh, I made my way back to the village.
As I entered town, the villagers stared in awe at the coyote's body. Coyotes are considered a good luck charm, and hunting one is a sign of great fortune to come. The old butcher, Arnold, stepped outside, grinning widely. "Kid, you've exceeded my expectations," he said. "From now on, you'll be my apprentice."