More of Wyman's thoughts!

[butchlambert]

My how quickly time passes…seems like it was yesterday, some 60 years ago when Kermit Woolly, our Baptist preachers son, and I drove to the badlands on a Sunday afternoon in October and sat on a hilltop to try out a predator call my girlfriend had given me, ( “borrowed” from her dads collection) a hand call he made out of Osage orange wood.
The screeching that ensued was something out of a horror movie but it got a response…two coyotes running like hell in the opposite direction! I could not believe my eyes but reacted quickly and dropped the trailing coyote with one shot from my 30-30 Marlin topped with a Montgomery Ward 2 1/2 X scope at 247 yards! It was a lucky shot as I only had two rounds of ammo to my name! LOL!
Running down to inspect my “trophy,” we loaded the creature in the ranch pickup and then piled rocks to mark where it fell.
Yes, 60 years at the time seemed like forever, but forever has arrived a bit faster than I had anticipated.
In those 6 decades the fascination with mouth calling predators never waned, and still love it today, although most of my calling activities are directed at securing great photos of the animals that has shaped my career. I was indeed a professional predator hunter for several years after graduating Texas Tech University where I studied Wildlife Management, and conducted scientific research on coyotes for a total of 4 1/2 years, but all of the energy and work, both in college and after, shaped a life way I’ve never regretted.
My passion for the hunt greatly contributed to a style of photography that resonated, and through the photographic medium I learned to connect with so many people, both nationally and internationally, and for that my life has been a blessing.
I love the art of photography as it transcends all language barriers because a great photo touches the heart of one and all.
Here is an amusing one created a few days ago when one of my furry buddies decided it had seen and heard enough!
Wishing all a great week and do stay warm! And BTW…that pile of rocks mention earlier is still where Kermit and I placed them 60 years ago. Fond memories from another time…

 

[K22]

I got my first centerfire rifle in 1964 or there abouts. It was a Winchester Model 70, 243 Win with a 3 x 9 Redfield scope. I could only afford one centerfire rifle, so I needed a dual-purpose rifle, i.e., deer and varmints/predators. This rifle filled the need exceptionally well taking deer, groundhogs, and foxes. This was before I started reloading.

In those days, there were no coyotes in Western Pa, but a lot of gray foxes that could be quite large. I use a mouth call, rabbit distress. While it took some time to master the technique, I got fairly good at it. Foxes were not difficult to call in, at least in my experience.

In those days, Greene County was quite remote in some areas and gaining permission was no problem. In addition, my dad had a friend who own two large farms, and I had exclusive access to hunt varmints and predators. In the mid 70's I began transitioning to handgun hunting which became my passion. I used a S&W Model 27, 357 Magnum. Having learn how to shoot in the Army on a Post Pistol Team, I became quite proficient.

I hunted Greene country until 1987 when we moved to eastern PA. I took a few deer, a lot of groundhogs and foxes. Those hunts, roaming the vast hay fields, were some of the best memories and experiences of my life so I kind of relate to Mr. Wyman, albeit on a smaller scale.

 

[JPB3]

I like that picture, Butch!

Having lived on the same place for nearly 60 years I often have similar thoughts.. When I ride around I recall a coyote I shot here and a bunch of pigs I saw over there, got a few! Where the kids played in a big live oak.
Where I got stuck and had to walk miles back to the house.. The tree in the woods where I shot a buck with a .270 and it was so wet there was no way to get him out. So I gutted him tied his legs together and hoisted him up on my shoulder and carried him a mile and a half to the truck. Things I used to do, things I couldn't do now! But always seeing and looking for new memories .

 

[butchlambert]

I like that picture, Butch!

Having lived on the same place for nearly 60 years I often have similar thoughts.. When I ride around I recall a coyote I shot here and a bunch of pigs I saw over there, got a few! Where the kids played in a big live oak.
Where I got stuck and had to walk miles back to the house.. The tree in the woods where I shot a buck with a .270 and it was so wet there was no way to get him out. So I gutted him tied his legs together and hoisted him up on my shoulder and carried him a mile and a half to the truck. Things I used to do, things I couldn't do now! But always seeing and looking for new memories .

That is you Pat! Only one of the reasons that I have a lot of respect for you.

 

[6.5 forever]

Butch, thanks again for posting. It lifts my spirit!

 

[Kevin57]

Butch,

Thats a great photo!

K

 

[ronsatspokane]

Nice shot!