[6thMichCav]

First, this is not a “poor me” thread. My Dad is fine. I was just thinking that we have now hunted deer for 37 years together; he will be 79 in December and went out in the rain, wind, and snow the last two days with hardly a grumble. We didn’t see deer, but that’s another story.

I was just reflecting how nice it has been to have a valued hunting partner who:

-Is always on time.
-Rarely, if ever forgets something important, and doesn’t mooch on me.
-Knows our (public land) hunting areas without a map or a cellphone.
-Gives me credit when I score, gives me advice when I fail, and never brags when he scores.
-Doesn’t poach, lie, steal or trespass.
-Gives me the pleasure of three hours of his company every time we go up north, even though he’s had a knee replacement, ear surgery, and whatever else.
-Will haul, setup, and tear down a camper without assistance or the least expectation of reward—except I cook and do dishes and usually leave $50 without being asked.
-Is convinced that the Remington 7600 in .30-06 is the greatest deer hunting implement known to man.

Okay, maybe he’s a little off on the last part. I’m just paying more attention every time we hunt, because it won’t last forever.

 

[ReeseHunter]

Great post and a good perspective on life. I’ve been hunting with my dad for the better part of 30 years. Yesterday we shared a blind for the first time in many years. We had a great day even though we didn’t see a whole lot. I’m hoping my son will look back on our time like I do with my father.

 

[fishx65]

Lost mine about 5 months ago. They don't make them like that anymore.

 

[pleistocene]

Hunted with my dad for over 40 years we never missed a opening day except one year with a heart attack passed at 90 years old 2016 the older guys are just different breed enjoy your time together the day will come .and by the way the 300 savage model 99rs is the greatest deer rifle ever made!!!

 

[BucksandDucks]

First, this is not a “poor me” thread. My Dad is fine. I was just thinking that we have now hunted deer for 37 years together; he will be 79 in December and went out in the rain, wind, and snow the last two days with hardly a grumble. We didn’t see deer, but that’s another story.

I was just reflecting how nice it has been to have a valued hunting partner who:

-Is always on time.
-Rarely, if ever forgets something important, and doesn’t mooch on me.
-Knows our (public land) hunting areas without a map or a cellphone.
-Gives me credit when I score, gives me advice when I fail, and never brags when he scores.
-Doesn’t poach, lie, steal or trespass.
-Gives me the pleasure of three hours of his company every time we go up north, even though he’s had a knee replacement, ear surgery, and whatever else.
-Will haul, setup, and tear down a camper without assistance or the least expectation of reward—except I cook and do dishes and usually leave $50 without being asked.
-Is convinced that the Remington 7600 in .30-06 is the greatest deer hunting implement known to man.

Okay, maybe he’s a little off on the last part. I’m just paying more attention every time we hunt, because it won’t last forever.

Great story. Some of my favorite memories were hunting with my dad when I was young. He pretty much only went because he knew I loved it so much. Once I was old enough to take care of my little brother he didn't go any more.

He still loves hearing the stories and is getting a kick out of my daughter's escapades

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Sounds like your old man is a good dude & a tough mofo.

 

[Boardman Brookies]

This makes 27 in a row with my dad. It was in jeopardy 2013 when we was diagnosed with cancer in September. He got it cut out, chemo and recovered in time to hunt 11/15. He doesn’t venture far off the trail anymore but still manages to shoot deer still.


Sent from my iPhone using Michigan Sportsman

 

[bearnugent]

Thank you for sharing. We were all introduced to hunting by someone special. People age and change...the way we hunt changes too. But those first memories of hunting with loved ones are ever lasting. Enjoy and embrace each and every opener, and the precious time spent with loved ones!

 

[retired dundo]

First, this is not a “poor me” thread. My Dad is fine. I was just thinking that we have now hunted deer for 37 years together; he will be 79 in December and went out in the rain, wind, and snow the last two days with hardly a grumble. We didn’t see deer, but that’s another story.

I was just reflecting how nice it has been to have a valued hunting partner who:

-Is always on time.
-Rarely, if ever forgets something important, and doesn’t mooch on me.
-Knows our (public land) hunting areas without a map or a cellphone.
-Gives me credit when I score, gives me advice when I fail, and never brags when he scores.
-Doesn’t poach, lie, steal or trespass.
-Gives me the pleasure of three hours of his company every time we go up north, even though he’s had a knee replacement, ear surgery, and whatever else.
-Will haul, setup, and tear down a camper without assistance or the least expectation of reward—except I cook and do dishes and usually leave $50 without being asked.
-Is convinced that the Remington 7600 in .30-06 is the greatest deer hunting implement known to man.

Okay, maybe he’s a little off on the last part. I’m just paying more attention every time we hunt, because it won’t last forever.

That is great that you had 37 years hunting with your dad.Hope you have many more and you both get a ice buck this year.Bet he has a hell of a trophy room would love to see it

 

[retired dundo]

Lost mine about 5 months ago. They don't make them like that anymore.

So sorry for your loss but you will never lose all the great memories I know I didnt

 

[Spartan88]

Lost mine two years ago. I miss telling him about my hunting exploits, especially the two nice bucks I've taken since his passing. Cherish time with your dad's gang.

 

[Martin Looker]

You all are very lucky. I lost mine 37 years ago before my kids ever got to know him. I still have 25 years of memories that I share with the kids and Grandkids.

 

[stickbow shooter]

My dad wasn't around when I was growing up, but my uncle's were. Glad they introduced me to hunting and have many great memories with them. In the late 70s lost both of them a year apart at the ages of 42 and 41, Dam lung cancer. But they are still with me.

 

[Waif]

Second season without being able to compare notes. Still not used to that...
One of Dads hunting knives he made himself is at hand though.
And the one he made me in the early seventies.

 

[MichMac]

Great post, enjoy every minute you have with your dad. I hunted in the UP with my dad for 26 years, fished 40+. He's been gone 15 years now, I'll really miss him next week when I walk by his old spot. I'm blessed to have nothing but good memories of him.

 

[ckosal]

Thank you for "perspective". This was a great thread. I see my pops fading. In fact i have said that on a couple of different threads on this forum over the last couple of years. He only hunts one blind - food plot and it is because it is 5 mins from the bunk house. It is a struggle for him to hunt even though he loves it. I need to be reminded that no matter what happens, the experience of being together is the joy not the trophies. Perspective is key!!!

On Saturday night i sat on the north west side of a food plot with my dad in his typical ne side dog tent (i could see his tent from my stand about 150 yards away. We both have taken 8 pts already and we agreed before we went out that we would only shoot one of two targets in our pics and only if a good shot (broadside, 25 yards, etc.). The two targets are a giant 8 (probably 150 inches) and a nice 10 pt with a drop tine. Both have clearly been hanging around our property. (lots of pics).

About 5 pm i saw a 2.5 year old 8 pt smaller than the bucks we both have already harvested. I saw him walking down the east side of the plot and immediately thought... oh no...please do not walk in front of his tent. oh no oh no... I knew he wouldn't be able to resist (caused by the combo of his aging/how his mind works now coupled with his 30 years in the 50s-70s hunting up north before I could walk where years went by without anyone in their camp seeing a single antler). He gets more excited when he sees a buck than my 8 year old does.
I saw the buck turn in to the woods about 65 yards from where he sits and i thought whew... instead of going to the corner he cut in about 3/4 of the way on the east side. I turned my video camera off and watched this young buck walk in to the woods... a giant relief... as i really want my dad to get one of the giants... and as i sat and sighed i heard WHAP! His cross bow... with a glimpse of the bolt flying in to the thick woods (note... he was hunting the food plot which he shot over into the woods with no shooting lanes).

We waited until right before dark. Luckily (for the buck) it was so thick his bolt bounced around in the woods. no blood on bhead, bolt or vane. clean miss. I was sooo mad. I really grumped at him on all levels.... wasn't the target, wasn't a smart shot, too far, no lane, walking, etc. I estimated the shot at 65 yards. And he said it less and his cb is "money" at 50 yards. Note, the food plot is 50 yards wide. So... it was at least 55 and more likely my estimate 65.

I cooled off and we were fine by sunday, but this helps me with perspective. I need to remember, him shooting that 8 would of made him happy and who knows when he will see his next one. i need to remember that it could be he never makes it back to the woods... half of the time he misses a hunting sit it is because he is at a funeral for a friend who passed away. He says all of the time, our friends (and my aunts/uncles) are dropping like flies. Even if he does make it out more this season or next maybe he won't see another 8 pt.

He talks all of the time that he waited 60 years for his first 8 pt. I need to check my purpose/objective of why i bought my place and the joy of just being together. I bought it to be together. bucks are a bonus. And any 8 pt (in fact a 7) is a trophy for him... I need to remember that!!! He has shot 3 now. But his next one that is an 8, even if a 100lb yearling will still be a big deal... I need to focus on that and keep PERSPECTIVE!

Thanks for the punch in the face!!! I needed it!!!!

 

[U of M Fan]

I’ve hunted with my Dad for 36 years and unfortunately this might have been the last and the end of our deer camp. This year was an absolute struggle and wasn’t fun for him at all. His best bud had issues as well. It’s hell getting old. I sure was hoping they were gonna score this year especially since I had a feeling this could be the last year. Not sure what I’m gonna do for next year.

 

[stickbow shooter]

I’ve hunted with my Dad for 36 years and unfortunately this might have been the last and the end of our deer camp. This year was an absolute struggle and wasn’t fun for him at all. His best bud had issues as well. It’s hell getting old. I sure was hoping they were gonna score this year especially since I had a feeling this could be the last year. Not sure what I’m gonna do for next year.

It was hard to " like " this post,because of your it might be your dad's last time at camp. But it happens,sucks but it happens. Hopefully he will be able to continue going.

 

[U of M Fan]

It was hard to " like " this post,because of your it might be your dad's last time at camp. But it happens,sucks but it happens. Hopefully he will be able to continue going.

We will see but I doubt it. He is not in the best of health and everything is just too hard for him. I would love to continue on with a camp up there but you got to have the right guys to do it with and my buddy’s just aren’t interested. So we will see what the future brings.

 

[stickbow shooter]

We will see but I doubt it. He is not in the best of health and everything is just too hard for him. I would love to continue on with a camp up there but you got to have the right guys to do it with and my buddy’s just aren’t interested. So we will see what the future brings.

Maybe we could start one. Not for sure as money and junk vehicles have been issues for me lately. But things change.