Tricker-Sayonara at Citrus City--- #8

    Dove season was upon us-- probably September 1976, and a nice week-end of hunting was in store in an area known as Citrus City.  This area was obviously known for orange and grapefruit groves watered by a network of canals and drained by ditches like much of the Valley, at that time.  There were also grain fields aplenty and occasional brush fence lines forming corridors for wildlife in the general vicinity.  Citrus City is roughly 12 mi west of Edinburg and 12 mi north of McAllen.   This is foreshadowing!  So it was along one of these brushy fence lines along a grain field, where we parked to find a bit of shade to wait until doves began to fly--- a father, daughter, son, and an unsuspecting raccoon.  As was typical, not a whole lot was going on in the 3-5 pm time frame, but Tricker was in seventh heaven rummaging through the brush behind"the hunters" seated in the shade along the field by the road.  A mixed cacophony of crackling vegetation, earth moving and contented raccoon sounds could be heard behind the waiting group. ---Then suddenly came the punctuating sound of the afternoon,-- an electric buzzing-rattling, that any South Texan instantly recognizes; yes, a sizable western diamond back sounded off behind us!  Father, Kids and an obviously intelligent raccoon, bolted away from the brush and toward the center of the grain field. surprised  by the unexpected noise!!  Tricker, in particular moved away at  rather dignified pace- as if somewhat insulted by the latest development! However her directionality left no doubt as to her response!  Eventually, the frantic surprise was replaced by a humorous response(relief).  So the hunt continued, the raccoon returned to her own devices in an area we felt she would be able to take care of herself.  So the hunt progressed, and when it came time to go , father and kids drove off without the furry critter.  It was a somewhat melancholy drive out of the dove fields that day, but the "Humans" reassured each other that "It was a better way."  "She seemed quite at home ." "She has everything she needs there.etc.  "