One Heck Of A Ride

140 My Introduction To European Hunting been sent to zoos and hunting estates in more than a dozen countries, including China, and the world population now numbers in the thousands. Woburn also is involved in preserving Chinese water deer and the barasingha or “swamp deer” of India and Pakistan.) Kevin and I were off the next morning, hunting in the rain in the beautiful forest around the estate for a Reeves muntjac. We hunted the one I shot by what Kevin called “stalking,” moving quietly and slowly with my rifle off my shoulder and ready to shoot quickly when needed. Not long after we entered the forest, Kevin stopped suddenly and pointed to where a small deer with unique antlers perched on high pedicles was peering around the edge of a tree about forty yards away. Only its head was visible. A mist- like rain was falling when I rested the high-end rifle Kevin had loaned me on his shooting sticks and found the muntjac in my scope, then waited twenty minutes for it to give me a clear shot at its vitals. That opportunity came when the animal finally turned broadside to move away. We checked out of the inn after finishing our hunt early and Kevin drove us to London, where he had arranged for a driver to show us the city. Our first stop was a late lunch at the Mayflower Pub, the place from where the Mayflower had set sail for America in 1620. Marty and I spent the next three nights at the London Cumberland, a modern deco hotel, and at least three quarters of a day shopping in Harrod’s for Christmas decorations and gifts for our friends and family. During our stay in that historic city, we had sundaes at the Harrod’s Gillateria Restaurant and saw stage performances of The Rat Pack at the Strand and The Lion King (both were exciting and amazing). I climbed all 311 steps of the monument built in the 1670s to commemorate the Great Fire of London and the rebuilding of the city. Of course, I also visited Purdey’s, England’s celebrated custom gunmaker, and drooled over gorgeous, best-quality double rifles priced at £77,500 to £85,200. Author with a Reeves Muntjac Manchurian Sika Deer. Bedford Estates. Woburn Abbey. Left Milton Keynes, Center Author, Right Keven Powner Japanese Sika Deer. Author Left, Marty Center, Keven Downer Right