Oct 06 2025 - Hunted

“Hunted” Steve Adams

My friend and I had spent the day hunting in several mountainous locations in the National Forest and had hiked several miles into the wilderness.  We decided that my friend would take a particular ridge and valley and I would take another.  We were about a mile apart and several miles from the truck.

As the orange disc of the Sun disappeared behind the towering mountain before me, I knew I had about 30 minutes to hunt before heading back.  Eventually, I packed my few belongings and headed out.

It was well past dark as I turned the final curve in the road leading to the truck and the moon was full overhead.  As I walked, I had this sense though that I was not alone.  I would stop and listen, trying to answer why I had that primal gut feeling that something was wrong.  It was then that I saw it, silhouetted by the full moon and pacing my movements on the ridge beside me was an elusive and majestic mountain lion.

I got back safely, but my blood ran cold.

Sponsored by the Caylor Group Wealth Management in Lynchburg VA. Call 434-455-7197.

‍