Last week I wrote about Leo Welton, who was a great story teller. This week I will relate one that happened back in the 30s when times were really tough.

Leo and Butch Simpson decided to go deer hunting during the “farmer’s season” ‘cause both of the families were out of meat. Each of the fellows had only a couple of shells for their rifles, so they had to make every shot count. It was one of those real dry years - the aspen leaves crunched under foot, like walking on cornflakes. After hunting several hours without seeing any game, the fellows sat down on the hillside to talk things over. As they were about to leave, they happened to spot a lone deer on a ridge across the canyon at what they estimated to be 400 yards away.

The area between the hunters and deer was wide open - no timber or cover of any kind. So that meant there was no chance of creeping up any closer to get a better shot. It was nearly sundown and this was their only chance - even though the distance was too far for a .30 .30 with iron sights.

Leo said he finally convinced Butch to let him try just one shot. He took dead aim with his good eye, gave it a little Kentucky windage and squeezed the trigger. He said it took a little while for the slug to reach the target, but when it did, the deer dropped in its tracks!

When the hunters reached the downed animal, Leo said, “When I get more shells, I’m going to have to sight that old gun in again Butch.” His partner replied, “Why, that was a perfect shot - you hit her right behind the ear and didn’t waste an ounce of meat.”  Leo said, “But you see, I was aiming for her eye!”