Marylandwhitetail Sept 2011 Marylandwhitetail Nov 2011 | Page 30

The MWC "Effect"

by William Olfus Jr.

When I first stumbled onto MWC in December of 2009, it was essentially out of desperation. I began deer hunting in October of the same year after passing the Hunter Safety Course. My weapon of “choice” was an early 1990’s model Browning Cascade that a co-worker had loaned to me. My stand of “choice” was a ground blind that a friend allowed me to hunt on his property. Though I had failed to close the deal on a single deer that year - as a matter of fact, I didn't even loose an arrow or let one bullet fly - I had some of the greatest times of my life that fall with my human hunting buddy as well as my animal hunting buddies; the squirrels, chickadees, woodpeckers, and blue jays. I had several deer just out of range at different times of year, including a really mature 10 pointer as well an outstanding 8 pointer, several does, button bucks, and spikes. I just didn't feel comfortable with the old Browning to take a shot over 30 yards. I vowed that the following year I would most definitely hunt both smarter and harder. That first year was certainly more hoping than actual hunting.

In an attempt to learn more and get myself in the know about my quarry, I googled “Maryland Whitetail” and clicked on the very first link that flashed on the screen. Unbeknown to me at the time, that double click would change my life forever.

What I found in Marylandwhitetail.com was a group of knowledgeable, committed, and responsible outdoors-men and women. I remember that initial feeling of being the new kid on the virtual block with no information of substance to add to any thread. I also remember my father constantly reminding me that we have two ears and two eyes, yet only one mouth for a reason. This was the time for me to sit back