Julie Carter
As a rule, cowboys are generally so broke they can go through several downturns of the stock market and most of a major recession without noticing much change.
However, let there be an extended drought and they will begin to ponder some serious changes in their business. Sometimes the drought and the recession happen at the same time.
True to form, Dan went to his Uncle Tex for some advice about weathering the current hard times.
Tex thought for a minute and then told Dan that when he personally faced similar economic conditions, he would supplement his income with a little hunting and trapping of varmints, usually coyotes, for the fur market.
Dan thought it was a good idea, but not one that would help him financially at this time because currently, nobody was buying many furs. But, the recreational aspect of such a project was enticing.
That night Dan called his buddies Tim and David and a coyote hunt was organized. They stopped by the beer store for refreshments and nourishment (Slim Jims) and headed for David's back pasture.
David had indicated there was a little heel fly tank on the backside where all kinds of varmints watered. When they got to the tank, it was nearly dry and had crusted over a long ways out to where the little bit of water stood.
David eased the truck down fairly close to the remaining puddle and they set up shop. Coyote calls, guns, snacks and sharp hunter instincts all were ready.
While waiting for the coyotes to respond to the calls, the trio discussed the possible ways of alleviating their cash-flow problems.
The lottery was the best option they could come up with and at the current $43 million - they determined it could help out.
Dreams always come easy to cowboys, so these three quickly moved past the buying of the ticket to planning what to do with their winnings.
David's No.-1 priority was to buy a new deer rifle. Tim thought about it for a while, said Becky Jean had been campaigning for a new house, so he would get that for her.
Both Dan and David quickly cautioned Tim to consider that option very carefully because they'd heard Becky say she wanted the wheels off her next house and they knew they'd be roped into helping with the work.
Dan's frugal nature directed his thinking in that he felt one might need to keep a little in reserve.
He thought he had about all the things he needed, although he did consider buying a new saddle and saving the other $42,998,000 for hard times.
Soon the dedicated hunters spotted a pair of coyotes coming to the call. The plan was for David to ease out of the truck and take a shot.
When he stepped out the door, he was immediately in mud up to his knees.
He looked at the truck. While they had been counting and spending their lottery winnings, it had slowly settled in mud all the way to the axles.
The crust on the banks of the tank has just been a cover for the very sticky, gooey stuff underneath.
It was a long walk back to the road to fetch a tractor, but they managed to carry the cooler with them as well as make a decision as to where they would buy their lottery tickets.
Hard times don't discourage cowboys as long as they keep their priorities in order.
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