The Legend of Badger John
Several years ago on a cold March morning in the far reaches of Modoc County, a fierce hunter braved nasty weather for bloodthirsty bounty. Road hunting at that hour; because outside the cab, gonads would draw and big men would cower. Squirrels were the quarry for the day, but rue the hunter that could bring down a Badger in the fray.
In a Suburban with his buds, the ground moved as squirrels grabbed for hinder chubs. Suddenly around the corner an animal larger than life, stood tall not afraid of any rife.
It was a badger, a giant bull; this dog looked straight at us like a death wish fool. Seven scrambled from the big suburban truck, each one wanting to try his luck. But it was John Barrett that first corked his huge gun, don't shoot I'll get him, he said just 40 yards away. And as John's 22-250 hammer lowered that rocket was sent on the way. When the big boom burst the air, we all gasped and then moaned…. Cause that big dog was still there. Dirt flew high, a smoke ring floated by, and John reassured us, I'll get him on the next try.
John chambered another round; and then dropping to his knee he scoped that forty yards for that badger so big a blind man could see. Kaboom went the second blast; confident this hole digger breathed his last.
Somewhere in heaven above, a deer runs, a pheasant wing flaps, coos come from a beautiful white dove, but in silence that badger waddled on out…untouched by lead John's gun belched out. Some say it was a clean miss, some say it was faulty sights, but those there believe John's love for varmints saved that badger's life.
Written by one who witnessed the whole event.
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