|
Hunting is different for me these days. When I was boy and a younger man, I was a killing machine; going any chance I could before classes and after work. I loved to sit in a deer stand, duck blind or throw my leg over a saddle chasing dogs through the piney woods of South Georgia. My yellow lab Jake picked up my birds; and at the end of the day, would run and grab a beer out of the cooler when I said, “beer me”. (Seriously, he was legendary for this) We were great together.
Now several dogs later, kids, responsibilities, etc., my lifestyle and focus has changed. I don’t have to kill anymore and go go go all the time. I find pleasure watching Will trying to shoot that wild quail flushing from the brush at warp speed and figuring out how to walk in waders in the muck. I know he gets tired of me saying, “Live and Learn” but there is no substitute for experience and the memories are the bonus.
So what am I hunting today? Memories with my son and memories with good friends with whom I enjoy spending time. No time for jerks at this point in my life. Spending the afternoon on a horse or the jeep with friends is about as relaxing as it gets for me these days. As Will goes off to college in six months, hopefully Molly will fill the void and set her alarm for some earlier mornings with her old man. Please understand, I have killed all I need to kill in my lifetime, yet when I get the call or it’s my turn to shoot…I will do my part no questions asked.
|
Leave a comment