OUTDOOR TRUTHS

Coyotes are not a friend of any farmer, rancher, or hunter. They are equal opportunity predators. They will pursue your cat or your cattle. They are satisfied with fish or fowl. And they love a young tasty fawn. Needless to say, every opportunity to get rid of one should be taken. The rest of creation will thank you. There are however some places that make it a sport to hunt these scavengers. Texas is one. I have had a few opportunities to go with those who know how to call in these critters to within rifle or shotgun distance. One of my recent trips was with Chase and Sam, and Ranger. Chase and Sam are the guides. Ranger is a special bred coyote hating dog. He stands watch while Chase and Sam are calling, and when a coyote appears, Ranger begins the chase to act as a live decoy until I can get a shot off. You can tell how much Ranger loves his job. On this recent trip, I was able to get a shot off at our game, and before the yote died, Ranger decides he’s going to get a taste of a little coyote meat. So, the fight ensued. Ranger was left with a few bite marks, but all the less for wear and tear. But what I noticed was how this fight didn’t leave Ranger wanting less but wanting more. Ranger is not a big dog, and the coyote gave him a little butt-whoopin’. But Ranger came back, got on his guard again, and watched for his next opportunity. And I thought about the price he paid for the thrill of getting in the game.

There’s no doubt the safest place is where you can remain intact, and with no bite marks. The safest place is one where surety trumps uncertainty. The safest place is living in the center of the safe confines of comfort. It’s where porch dogs live. One person put it this way. “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much room.” And while we may not be called to live a haphazard life, we are called to live by faith. And that means recognizing that sometimes we might come back home with a few wounds, but once you get a taste of the fight, you’ll never be satisfied staying on the porch.

THE VIEWS OF SUBMITTED EDITORIALS MAY NOT BE THE EXPRESS VIEWS OF THE ALABAMA GAZETTE.