#1953340 - 06/08/10 02:44 PM
One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
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B&C chaser
4 Point
Registered: 01/08/09
Posts: 375
Loc: Coffee County, Tennessee
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My dad and I are as close as I feel any two people could be. We have always been the best of friends and he has been there throughout my entire life for anything I needed. I have a feeling inside for him that I don't know if many people get to experience, but I sure hope so. He always took me along fishing, hunting, camping and pretty much anything he did cause like alot of folks I wanted to be close to dad. He had a love for the outdoors that he instilled in me and I'm so thankful.
You know its funny that some of the best memories of my life were the simple things we shared together, like sitting in a stand or blind together when I was younger. Also the times out on the lake running trotlines and fishing, hauling hay in the summer and really just sitting around talking about the things two buddies talk about. No matter what I was going through or how I felt he always knew exactly the right thing to say to make everything alright.
Everything that I have in life and the person I am and the love of the outdoors is owed totally to dad. I only hope that I can mean half as much in the life of my two young boys as my dad did to me.
Now for the story: My dad started getting sick in early 2009 and it gradually got worse through the year. He went to several doctors and had quite a few test ran before they finally figured out it was stomach cancer. By the time they figured it out there wasn't much they could do. He was actually diagnosed just a few days prior to the opening day of the KY rifle season.
He felt so terrible but wanted to go along with me because I think he knew it would probably be the last time for us together. So opening morning I put him on the edge of a narrow cut cornfield in a ground blind not far from the truck because I knew he may have a hard time getting around. Early that morning he shot the buck above and I'm glad he got one more chance to experience the hunt and the thrill. Honestly I didn't even have seeing a deer on my mind that morning, I was just happy we were doing what we both love together.
I took dad back home to middle TN that same night because he felt so bad and then drove back to KY that night. I hunted for 3 more days and ended up killing a nice 14 pt that was low 140's. My heart just wasn't in it because all I thought about was dad. I went home the next morning and didn't hunt for the rest of the year. I spent every minute I could with dad when I wasn't working. He continued to go down hill pretty quick and didn't even have a chance to try treatment. He past away on the evening of Jan 06, 2010 at home with me kneeling next to him holding his hand.
Nothing in my life will ever be the same without this great man. The greatest treasure I've had in my life was the time and experiences I got to share with dad. I wish we could have more time together but I'm so thankful and blessed for the time we did have together. I truly hope that everyone has someone in their life that means to him/her what my dad meant to me. Sorry for such a long story, I thought the least I could do was this small tribute to such a great person and dad.
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#1953342 - 06/08/10 02:49 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: B&C chaser]
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JohnnyBond
Cat Man
Non-Typical
Registered: 01/16/08
Posts: 35567
Loc:
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Great post ...... brings back a lot of memories of my dad and hunting together ........ It is the little things that he did that remember and miss the most.
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#1953350 - 06/08/10 03:01 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: JohnnyBond]
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Winchester
Non-Typical
Registered: 12/05/03
Posts: 25247
Loc: TN
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Great post, and sounds like me and my Dad word for word! I thank the Lord he is still healthy.
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#1953352 - 06/08/10 03:06 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: Winchester]
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Double-D-Team
10 Point
Registered: 12/18/02
Posts: 3483
Loc: God's Country
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Thanks for sharing...Great Post...
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Don and Dee (DOUBLE-D-TEAM)
THE RICHEST VALUES OF WILDERNESS LIE NOT IN THE DAYS OF DANIEL BOONE NOR EVEN IN THE PRESENT. BUT IN THE FUTURE--LEOPOLD
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#1953515 - 06/08/10 03:31 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: Double-D-Team]
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rem270
16 Point
Registered: 11/15/02
Posts: 17388
Loc: south fulton
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What a great post. So sorry for your loss.
I am very fortunate to still have my dad and im thankful he is still in good health. he just turned 48 and we work at the same place together so thats pretty cool.
_________________________
NO1 Greater- Ky Wildcats!!
Its not what happens in life, but how you react to it that matters.
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#1953570 - 06/08/10 04:33 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: rem270]
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hunter drew
14 Point
Registered: 06/16/07
Posts: 7781
Loc: henderson county TN Lexington
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Great post brother. I have had many great hunts with my dad. It willbe a very sad day for me when he can't go anymore. Thanks for you post and god bless
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It is what it is
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#1953574 - 06/08/10 04:37 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: hunter drew]
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rutdog
6 Point
Registered: 11/23/09
Posts: 628
Loc: cleveland,tn
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Great post and thx for sharing it with us.
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#1953788 - 06/08/10 08:36 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: rutdog]
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tickweed
10 Point
Registered: 11/25/09
Posts: 3555
Loc: medon,Tn.
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Great post. Sorry for your loss. Yes,it will never be the same. I know from experience, having lost both my Parents when I was in my early thirtys. Hope things get better for you.
_________________________
The hardest thing about Bowhunting Turkeys is leaving the gun at home!
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#1954031 - 06/08/10 10:22 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: ]
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Buzzard
8 Point
Registered: 02/21/08
Posts: 1247
Loc: Rocky Top
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Thanks for sharing.
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"It's the spending stupid"
"Life is Hard, It's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
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#1954057 - 06/08/10 10:57 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: Buzzard]
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jmb4wd
8 Point
Registered: 10/03/07
Posts: 1043
Loc: Christiana, TN
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That post is a wonderful tribute to your Dad. Thanks for sharing it with us. Should make each and everyone of us go hug our parents for what they do for us.
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#1954090 - 06/09/10 04:52 AM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: B&C chaser]
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Beekeeper
Good ol' Boys "Team Buckcreek"
16 Point
Registered: 08/26/09
Posts: 10954
Loc: McMinn Co. Tennessee
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Thanks!
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Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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#1954113 - 06/09/10 06:14 AM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: Beekeeper]
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MUP
Non-Typical
Registered: 08/01/07
Posts: 36218
Loc: Just North of Chatt-town
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That story is almost word for word my own experience with my Dad B&C. I could feel the tears welling up when you told of how he passed while you were kneeling by his bed, holding his hand.....which is the very same way I got to be with my Dad when he passed, also of cancer. Thanks for posting, and, fwiw, being able to be with him at the end has brought me comfort when thoughts of him cross my mind since that day in Aug, 1998.
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MUP
Amateurs: Built the Ark
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#1954162 - 06/09/10 07:24 AM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: Buzzard]
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bvoss
6 Point
Registered: 01/11/10
Posts: 940
Loc: Maury County, TN
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Great Post. Sorry for your loss. It's obvious he was a great father and a great friend. I'm sure what he instilled in you will be passed down to your kids.
_________________________
"...Christ in you, the hope of glory"
Colossians 1:27
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#1954246 - 06/09/10 09:28 AM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: bvoss]
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B&C chaser
4 Point
Registered: 01/08/09
Posts: 375
Loc: Coffee County, Tennessee
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I have been wanting to post this for a while now, but it took this long to be able to. I would type for a while then wipe the tears away and type some more. There are so many things I'd like to tell about dad because we did so much together. Its part of life that everybody has to deal with even though it sucks, life goes on. I look forward to doing all the things with my two boys that we got to do together and I hope they get as much out of it as I did. Thanks for the responses.
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#1954261 - 06/09/10 10:01 AM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: B&C chaser]
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KENBOB10
14 Point
Registered: 06/22/06
Posts: 8342
Loc: Benton tn.
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Nice post. I can't relate to doing that with my father, but I hope my son will have a similar story to tell one day.
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The other half of "Man Purty"
EAST SIDE MAFIA TCB
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#1954311 - 06/09/10 10:31 AM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: KENBOB10]
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BigSatt
10 Point
Registered: 05/15/09
Posts: 3499
Loc: Northern Middle Tn.
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Thank you.
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Nothing Great is ever achieved without enthusiasm.
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#1954450 - 06/09/10 12:27 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: Winchester]
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Tracker
6 Point
Registered: 10/22/01
Posts: 614
Loc: South Fulton,TN. USA
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I lost my dad in october He was my best friend and my favorite hunting partner i miss him everday but i know i will see him again someday I still hear him in the woods sometimes and i know he is there with me.
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American by birth, Southern by the grace of God
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#1954621 - 06/09/10 03:10 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: Tracker]
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W.Seay
12 Point
Registered: 01/17/06
Posts: 7153
Loc: Collierville,TN.
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Great Post! I am sorry for your loss!Hopefully you will be able to share the same great times with your two boys. I have two sons and cant wait til they are both old enough to hunt!
_________________________
To one with faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
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#1954638 - 06/09/10 03:50 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: W.Seay]
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landman
8 Point
Registered: 11/15/09
Posts: 1440
Loc: TN & Western KY
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B&C Chaser
I know I have to face that same day as everyone does. Just got back in from KY, taking down stands on a place I have sold, my father when with me, to help and ride along, he can't hardly hear, but still loves to hunt and get out and work.
Thanks for sharing that with all of us, makes me want to slow down a little more and spend more time with him, but we all think that day is far off.
You are blessed to have a father and a friend to introduce you to the outdoors.
Best to You
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#1954640 - 06/09/10 03:56 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: W.Seay]
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Still-n-Quiet
10 Point
Registered: 07/18/06
Posts: 4607
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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Very nice post. Thank you.
I lost my Dad Feb. 2, 2006. He was, also, my best hunting buddy and my mentor.
I imagine you still feel the physical hurt from the loss. I know I did. I went several years still thinking that, even though I couldn't see him, I might still be able to call him. Even had to stop myself several times in the process of calling him on the phone. No telling what that would have done to Mom. I miss him most every day, still. You don't really go "back to normal" after your Dad dies; you find your "new normal." I hope you find yours in due time.
You have honored your Dad with this post.
_________________________
Mike
"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes..." (Romans 1:16)
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#1954701 - 06/09/10 05:31 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: Buzzard]
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Bone Collector
12 Point
Registered: 09/09/09
Posts: 6130
Loc: Murfreesboro, TN
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Sorry for your loss, great story, something you can always look back on and cherish.
Edited by Bone Collector (06/09/10 05:31 PM)
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#1954708 - 06/09/10 05:34 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: Bone Collector]
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Carlos Viagra
16 Point
Registered: 11/20/04
Posts: 12934
Loc: Cumberland Plateau
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Sorry to hear it, I'm glad you have plenty of good memories to reflect on.
_________________________
Do not be slothful- for yesterday and tomorrow are thieves of today.
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#1954882 - 06/09/10 08:11 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: Carlos Viagra]
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harley 2008
4 Point
Registered: 03/16/09
Posts: 478
Loc: mont tn
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Thanks for the post. Brings back great memories of my Dad. Last time we hunted was on a LBL quota hunt. Great times.
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#1954896 - 06/09/10 08:26 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: harley 2008]
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harley 2008
4 Point
Registered: 03/16/09
Posts: 478
Loc: mont tn
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Still-n-quiet Ilost my dad on Feb 06 2006. Bad month for us.
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#1954959 - 06/09/10 09:00 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: landman]
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B&C chaser
4 Point
Registered: 01/08/09
Posts: 375
Loc: Coffee County, Tennessee
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B&C Chaser
I know I have to face that same day as everyone does. Just got back in from KY, taking down stands on a place I have sold, my father when with me, to help and ride along, he can't hardly hear, but still loves to hunt and get out and work.
Thanks for sharing that with all of us, makes me want to slow down a little more and spend more time with him, but we all think that day is far off.
You are blessed to have a father and a friend to introduce you to the outdoors.
Best to You
It seems like these days you don't hardly have time for much of nothing. We all knew what was coming but still not that soon. The docs talked like he may have up to a year but he only made it 2 months. Out of all the things that come and go in life the one thing you never get back is the time. I would advise everyone to make some kinda time to spend with the ones you care about cause I know I'd love to have just 1 more day with dad.
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#1955142 - 06/10/10 06:19 AM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: Double-D-Team]
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Snake
16 Point
Registered: 05/03/09
Posts: 15502
Loc: McMinn Co.Tennessee U.S.
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Thanks for sharing...Great Post...
Ditto ! 
_________________________
No matter the storm , when you are with God , there's always a rainbow waiting .
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#1955697 - 06/10/10 11:02 AM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: Snake]
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buckmaster
6 Point
Registered: 01/09/03
Posts: 626
Loc: tennessee
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Thnks for sharing for other reasons. I am looking at the relationship that my son and i have and wondering if I emphasize the hunt more than the time together. I stress (probably over stress) to him the importance of scent and noise control and while we are on stand I stay on him constantly about too much movement. I guess I should just be glad to spend the time together and let him have more fun. In other words, stop being so hard on him. How did your dad strike that balance between learning to hunt and just having fun?
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#1956243 - 06/10/10 08:50 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: buckmaster]
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B&C chaser
4 Point
Registered: 01/08/09
Posts: 375
Loc: Coffee County, Tennessee
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Thnks for sharing for other reasons. I am looking at the relationship that my son and i have and wondering if I emphasize the hunt more than the time together. I stress (probably over stress) to him the importance of scent and noise control and while we are on stand I stay on him constantly about too much movement. I guess I should just be glad to spend the time together and let him have more fun. In other words, stop being so hard on him. How did your dad strike that balance between learning to hunt and just having fun?
I don't know if I can give you a real good answer, but here it goes.I started deer hunting at 10 yrs old but had tagged along several times with dad before that. I guess he knew that I was going to make plenty of mistakes and he was always patient and didn't ever really get too excited about any mistake I made. He started out first by really stressing proper gun handling and mainly safety. Then came the basics as far as deer sign, different types of trees, different crops and browse that deer like at different times of the year and types of terrain features ( funnels, ridges, thickets, etc ). And tracks and trails and crossings.
You talk about stressing certain points. I remember dad saying plenty of times to be quite, quit moving, be still. He never really said much about scent control except playing the wind and if there downwind its usually over. To tell you the truth he killed piles of deer, many with a cigarette in his mouth.
The times I missed or spooked deer or even shot one that got away he never got mad or got onto me. He would ask what I thought I did wrong and what I could have done different and made me think for myself especially about what to do the next time in the same situation. That could be as simple as waitin for em to get closer, waitin on a better shot, takin my time and not jerking the trigger, etc. He would grin with his grin and say that it happens to everybody no matter how long they have hunted and that if I hunted long enough they would all happen again.
One main thing that I learned from him over the years was persistance. The more time you put in and the harder you try and the more you learn the more it leads to success. This has helped me all through life not just hunting. I could tell even when I was younger that dad was so proud when I was successful and this made me try harder, learn more and hunt harder to be even more successful. I loved the grin on his face and the pride in his eyes.
There were times that it seemed like I just couldn't get on deer and that everything was going wrong. He would say that you're not going to kill one everytime you go and there will be times when things just don't go right, but then there will be times when you'll go several times in a row and can do no wrong and kill a deer everytime. When I was frustrated he would just grin and say you just gotta keep going, you'll get on em'. Its funny that the lessons you think you are learning about deer hunting you are really learning about life.
The first person that I wanted to show my deer to and tell all about it was dad and the first person I would call was dad if we weren't hunting together. This stayed the same for 22 years of hunting from my first deer to my last. Hope this helps !
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#1956842 - 06/11/10 11:43 AM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: TN RDG RNR]
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buckmaster
6 Point
Registered: 01/09/03
Posts: 626
Loc: tennessee
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sounds like a great teacher as well as dad.
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#1960317 - 06/15/10 03:28 PM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: buckmaster]
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SAR Swimmer
4 Point
Registered: 12/08/08
Posts: 499
Loc: Pleasant View, TN/ Jacksonvill...
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Dadgum allergies got to botherin me when I was reading that! Great post B&C. I hope that my son and I share the same bond as you and your dad. My father and I were close like you and your dad. Those days spent out in the woods like that are just priceless. Thanks for sharing bud. That is the best post that I have seen on here in a long time. That's what it's about- "Pass It On"!
_________________________
"So Others May Live"
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#1962329 - 06/17/10 08:41 AM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: buckmaster]
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Boone 58
16 Point
Registered: 06/23/04
Posts: 13540
Loc: Food Plot
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Yep, i made that mistake too many times and it is good you realize it. Take it and enjoy the time and continue to teach but let them just experience the fun of being with you and the outdoors. I sometimes would just totally get frustrated with them moving and so forth but that is one reason blinds on the ground are great for such events. I should have done that much sooner............
_________________________
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#1962418 - 06/17/10 09:42 AM
Re: One Last Hunt Together ( LONG read )
[Re: harley 2008]
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spitndrum
Team TLBB Woodpile Boys
Non-Typical
Registered: 03/09/06
Posts: 50720
Loc: Cumberland Plateau
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Good Post sorry for your loss!
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