Well guys, here's a link to the full story about the buck I shot on Monday. Probably not the most interesting read in the world, but something that sure meant a lot to me personally. I have to admit, I teared up a few times while writing it. So if you're bored, read away. http://www.bowhunting.com/blog/post/A-Buck-For-My-Dad.aspx
Unlike what you said, that was a VERY interesting read. I loved the story and the tribute to your dad. I can't fanthom what it must feel like to lose a father and dread the day I have to experience the same. I bet he is proud despite you moving his stands. :D Congrats on another great buck!
Wow Justin, That is awesome, bud. Congrats on everything, That deer was for you and you deserved him and earned him. Great read. I can't imagine the emotions you felt, and I doubt that I ever will, but reading it, I can see it in you, and that's just awesome, far more than the deer its self. And btw: "I was seconds away from throwing in the towel on the morning hunt and sleeping in when that nagging voice that's inside of every hunter told me to get up and get out there. " Those words fit me to a T, I've never heard anyone speak of that feeling before, but I know exactly what it is. :D
I meant to mention something about that too. That little voice that says, "This could be the day." It doesn't matter that you haven't had any luck the previous 50 hunts, this one could be the ONE! Gets me out of bed everytime.
I'm too proud to admit, that had me half way to tears. My old man is my partner in crime when it comes to hunting, i owe every deer i have killed in some way or another to my dad, whether its was financing the trip, helping me find a spot when i was younger, or actually being with me for half of the deer i have killed. Sunday my dad killed a buck on a piece of property that we own up here in Vermont, just a little year and half old 6pt. When i heard the shot i just about started to run over to his stand to help him drag. Saturday i leave for a trip to Saskatchewan with my dad and Grandfather, who is most definitely one of my largest influences in life. Reading your story just made me think about how much i take this time that i have with them for granted. Dad and I are bring the bows to sask this year to freeze our asses off, and i gotta tell you, I'm going to probably take this hunt a little more serious, and do a lot more thinking thanks to you. Great buck Justin, it isn't always about the bone, sometimes it means way more to the heart!
He may have been cussing when you were pulling his stands, but I'm sure he was smiling when you dropped the string on Little Mac! To your Dad. And congrats again on a great buck.
That was a great read, one of the best I've read in a long time. Thanks for sharing, truely an inspirational story and great gift to the memory of your father. I was glued to every word. Little Mac doesnt need to be the highest scoring buck you've killed, he definately means the most for all the right reasons. He's a beautiful whitetail and will forever serve as a memory of a lifetime. The journey you took to get him, many of us can learn from and apply your persistence and determination in our own hunts. Thank you. You earned that big ole boy, you really earned him. I tip my hat to you and your father Justin. God Bless his soul. He is smiling down on his son, I guarantee it.
That's the first blog entry I ever read, just not into reading blogs but I have to say that was an awesome read and tribute. Your pop and anyone's for that matter would be very proud and honored to see this tribute in their honor. You did good son.
That was a great read, thank you for sharing your thoughts with the rest of us. Although he was older than your dad, I too lost my dad unexpectantly a few years ago. It is always difficult losing a loved one but even more so when it is unexpected. It leaves us thinking of our last conversation or interaction with them. We wonder did we say; I love you or tell them what they mean to us. But don't dwell on any regrets you may have had in the relationship but rather, celebrate the good times and memories, as you have done in writing this article. With so many kids having absent or nonexistant fathers, count yourself blessed that you had a great father who passed down a legacy that you can cherish and pass on to your children. Blessings.....Pastorjim P.S. Congrats on a great buck!
That was a great read, Justin. I truly enjoyed it. Your Dad would be proud. Its gun season here in Michigan, but a very good friend and I are hitting the woods with our bows (its legal). He just returned from Colorado, after the passing of his father. He died from cancer at age 51. His father absolutely loved bowhunting, so today, thats what we'll do.
GREAT STORY Justin. Any of us who has ever spent time hunting with our dads would get emotional reading your story. I know I did, and still am. I was lucky to be able hunt with my dad for many years, and then have him help me teach my 2 sons the joy of hunting.(he is the one who was with one son for his 1st buck) Although my dad is still living, he has Alzheimers Disease. As bad as it is, I still feel fortunate. I can set with him and talk to him. Tell him what the boys and I are doing. What we see, where we go. What kind of luck we are having. He would be very proud of them. I know I am. Thanks for sharing your story. It makes us all stop for a minute and think what is really important in this game we all call "Life".
Great story again Justin, and again I'm truly sorry for the loss of your father. Your keeping the legacy going by what he tought you growing up. I'm sure he was looking down at you when you harvested little mac.
Somewhere in Heaven a father is whistling and skipping right now. You made him proud Justin. Congratulation on a fine deer and a very touching story. Those of us who have lost our hunting buddies (fathers) can certainly relate. Thanks for sharing.
Great story!! I lost my Dad last year. He was 69 years old. We spent many deer seasons in the woods together and I spend as much time as possible with my two sons. Your story really touched me! I have a lot of fond memeories and hope to make many more with my own sons. Take care and have a great seaon and Thanksgiving next week. Rifle seaon next Monday in West Virginia. My boys and I will be out there!!
Thanks for sharing that Justin! My Dad is also the reason I love being outdoors and hunting...no doubt this story moved me. Dad's shape lives more than most realize...sure looks like you had a Great one! Congrats on the Buck!
