Hunting Has Come Full Circle

**LifeNRA** · 10-31-2009, 06:27 PM

Well, hunting for me has come full circle, with my father and I that is. Today Dad and I got out way before daylight. He went to his normal spot, and I was about 170 yards in further. I had laid down a drag trail of some Tink's 69 for about 400 yards, right past where he was sitting and all the way up to where I was. It was a wet morning so I kept refreshing the drag, used the entire bottle once I got to my tree. Dad is in his lower 70's so the piece of land where we hunt gives me the access to drive him anywhere he wants to in the mountain. But he still walks in, not like he used to though. In his younger days, I bet there was some times we would walk 5-8 miles, just to get to our hunting areas! I must admit, them days are about over for me too!

But I am happy we hunt where we do. It was a dead morning me, but Friday I had a buck walk in the dark right behind the tree about 6:15AM, then another buck came in, a tall spike about 8AM. Then something I had never seen before, two coyotes. I had them coming in to me, but they must have spotted me and trotted up the mountain.

Anyways, Dad calls me on the radio and says, "I got one laying down." At first I think he is kidding me, but he then says there is one down! Now I am thinking man, this is great! First deer with his crossbow! I am up 25 feet smiling and almost laughing with excitement!

I gather everything up and head out to meet him.

I get there, he shows me where had shot, great blood everywhere! But he already knows where the deer is. But I still track it like I shot it! That Muzzy sure did its job!

So now the work starts. Dad wanted to field dress himself, I just help with moving it around while he does it. Dad bought a Deer Sled a few years ago, I used the last three years on my own deer. Now it was his deer. I pulled that deer out like there was snow on the ground! Get it loaded up on the hauler, and out we go!

Then he said something to me that has me in almost in tears, "I be hurting if you were not here right now". I realized then how much he needs me in the woods with him. But I would be lost without him in the woods with me! If any of you have fathers that still hunt with you, cherish every moment! Here is his first crossbow deer!

bowhunter56 · 10-31-2009, 06:33 PM

A great buck and better memory...

**Shawn** · 10-31-2009, 06:40 PM

Awesome buck and story. Congrats to your dad. I know the feeling of what your saying. My hunting would surely not be the same and as enjoyable if my father wasnt there.

**pointing_dogs_rule** · 10-31-2009, 06:59 PM

Your photos & story brought tears to the eyes of this 50 year old guy.

THANKS.

Great story!!! My dad passed away in 1990 and I miss hunting with him. I have great memories that will always be cherished.

good luck to all
the dog

**MichiganHunter** · 10-31-2009, 07:12 PM

great story....but that buck is really cool, that is by far the coolest 6pt I have seen...well since my first buck(also a 6pt)

**woolybear** · 10-31-2009, 07:46 PM

That's the good stuff right there.

Congrats to your pops.

**Randy** · 10-31-2009, 08:04 PM

WTG Dad!! Great Buck!

**NC8point** · 10-31-2009, 08:09 PM

Man thats great so glad you still do things with your dad mines not a hunter but we fish together every Sat. till hunting season and still will slip off and fiash some then I like you get alot out of fiashing with my dad and will never forget all those great times. Kepp hunting and I know you will always have your dad with you.

**beagleboy** · 10-31-2009, 08:58 PM

You made some memories today with your father. Congrats

**wyohunter** · 10-31-2009, 09:28 PM

just awesome, tell your dad congrats, and when you do, give him a hug too, thank him for teaching you his ways, and cherish every moment you can with him

**buckee** · 10-31-2009, 10:33 PM

Awesome story John. I wish my dad and I were closer, (distance-wise and relationship-wise) You are both very lucky to have what you have together. Very lucky.

And way to go on that buck Dad, He sure is a wide fella..eh.

**toddyboman** · 10-31-2009, 11:08 PM

Congrats to your Dad!! That is an awesome story!!!!

**Airman312** · 11-01-2009, 05:45 AM

OK...the eyes are dry again....thanks for sharing your story and pics

**Whitetail Freak Hunter** · 11-01-2009, 09:17 AM

That is so awesome, and with your dad getting a nice buck down. Way To Go!

**LifeNRA** · 11-01-2009, 11:43 AM

Thanks everyone! Funny, when we are little we rely on our fathers for help and guidance. Even when we are older, we still rely on them. I am just grateful that I was there to help, doing something that he truly loves so much!