If you read my blog consistently, then you know that my oldest son, Harman, drew an unbelievable elk tag in Wyoming this year. He spent the entire summer shooting and shooting, and shooting his bow some more in preparation for this incredible adventure. Our original plan was to hit the rut so could call in a big ol’ bull to within 20 yards and let him hold a G5 broadhead right behind the shoulder.
Well, it didn’t go that way.
Harman and I hunted with Seven J’s Kenny Morga with high hopes, and for the first three days I don’t even know how many miles we walked and never saw or heard an elk! We KNEW they had to be somewhere though, so we kept at it. Finally, on the fourth day of the hunt we found them...big time!
For the last two days of the hunt Harman had the thrill of his hunting life. Numerous screamin’ bulls came into the call. The smaller bulls would come right in. The bigger bulls would invariably always either give us the slip or incredibly, the wind would shift at the worst time, blowing our opportunity. But one of my goals for Harman had been accomplished. He had been in the middle of buglin' elk. What a rush! He was hooked for life.
As we were packing to come home, I got to thinking. If Ginger would give us her blessing, we could go back to WY during Harman’s Thanksgiving break and try to kill an elk with a rifle.
No problem! Ginger and I agreed that we would go as an entire family! That’s right! On Thanksgiving Day, Ginger, Harman, Alex, Lucas and myself flew back out to try to fill Harman’s tag.
No luck. We hunted hard, enjoyed hiking in the beautiful snow-covered Black Hills, enjoyed our family time together and created even more awesome memories that none of these Blanton's would ever forget. (More on this in upcoming blogs)
But no elk.
I had a chance to discuss this with Harman and told him that as bad as we want to kill something every time we go, it simply is not a part of God’s will. And God’s will is perfect. At the age of 17 that concept is probably a little harder to grasp than someone like myself who, at times, has struggled with putting TOO much focus on the kill.
Hopefully, it’s a life lesson Harman will never forget.
David,
This by far is the your best Blog story yet. We can only explain to our kids that its the Hunt not the Harvest thats important and even though it's hard for them to understand at a young age it's always the ones that got away that makes the memories special for years to come. Thanks for sharing stories about family it goes along ways with alot of us.
Tommy Daigle
Property Manager
John Marshall Design
Baton Rouge, LA.
( Go Tigers !!!!)
DB, This post was spot on. So many of life's lessons can be experienced in the field. Success, failure, dedication, trust...the list is endless.
I finally saw the Jim Shockey piece in which you attempted to de-bunk the "myth". I was rollin with laughter the whole episode. When you stripped down to your short pants on the golf course, I lost it!! Great work once again! You're a HOOT !! RP
Hey David,
Sorry that Harman didn't get an elk. Hopefully he will get one next time. I bet it was tough not harvesting an elk, but ya'll had the time of ya'lls life. Talk to ya later.
God Bless & Good Huntin'
Kristle Oberlander-GA
David,
This is a awesome article. I applaud you for making family a priority. Most people do not realize how time consuming your job is. Trying to spread the message about the gift of the outdoors can rob our family of valuable quality time. I am looking forward to the day I can do a similar trip with one of my daughters.
Hal Shaffer-SC
Like you said it's not all about filling the tag.. but I have to say you are still the man