I was surprised to see a half dozen scrapes along the ridge I hunted Saturday. We got some cold rain and dropping temps for about four days and I guess it got this buck feeling sporty. He hit some 5" cedar trees and scratched them up pretty good so it looks like a good 'un is running around there. It's early for that activity in my neck of the Ozarks.

Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.