Probably my last hunt

[markT]

Nice write up and experience.. Animals are just like us. Just trying to survive.. The pursuit is the memorable part...

 

[BartsBullets]

Great Story Dave!

Bart

 

[akajun]

Best story I’ve read in a while

 

[Bill K]

Very good story and photos Dave. Thanks for sharing it . I believe many of us have the same feeling, as you, about enjoying the hunt and trips, but also have the same thought about not killing a animal to complete a hunt. We all change our ideals with age. Thank again for a fine post, story and photos.

 

[6fatrat]

Great story Dave, good luck with the prostate.
Steve Bair

 

[Chaotik]

Great read! Thanks for sharing.

 

[K22]

Thanks for sharing this amazing story. Great example of overcoming adversity.

I completely understand your loss of enthusiasm for taking an animal. Although I'm 100% supporter of hunting, sometimes a great tragedy causes you to re-evaluate your life and purpose. It's an individual thing.

As others have stated, it's about the hunting experience and enjoying nature. A hunt like yours is truly a "bucket" list item for a lot of us. For us who won't be able to experience it, your post helps us live it vicariously. Good job!

 

[White Eagle]

great story
my father used to say the same thing
if he say a deer he probably wouldn't shoot it
thanks for sharing

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Thanks for taking us along on your hunt!

 

[Olspark]

Great story Dave. It belongs in one of those high country mountain journals that the younger fellows are reading and dreaming about. Shares a different perspective for sure. I kept thinking about you as your hunt became reality. Glad you accomplished your goal. Sorry to hear about your Dad and look forward to shooting with you in the spring.

 

[Shasta Shooter]

Great story Dave! Congratulations on a fantastic trip! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Bugs]

One of the best posts I've read in quite awhile. . . . Thanks for sharing.

 

[ratguner]

Phenomenal! A big thank you for sharing.

 

[MSS]

Great story and successful hunt IMO.

 

[Pheasanthunter]

As I watched the Billy with a Nanny and Kidd, I thought about the experience. As I contemplated, I knew that I really didn’t want to kill him. In fact, I realized this hunt had already been successful, and would be my last. For several years, I’ve been losing the desire to actually take an animal. I see nothing wrong with doing that, but as I get older, I just don’t have that desire. I told the guide what I decided to do, and he acted surprised to say the least. I’m sure this was a first for him. Eventually, he said “I get paid the same no matter what, so it’s your decision”. I waved goodbye to the goat and started to hike back out. It was a good feeling.

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We made it back to the beach, loaded everything in the boat and made it back to base camp by dark. It had been a good day. I spent a couple more days in camp, waiting for conditions to clear so I could fly out. It was very enjoyable, just visiting with the other hunters and guides. I made some good friends along the way, and thanked God for an awesome experience.

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I hope you enjoyed this,
Dave.

Living the dream good job

 

[jds holler]

You ARE the MAN!!

Thanks for that experience that most of us will never have. It's obvious that you've got nuthin to prove.

Good luck with everything, and please share more of your stories anytime. jd

 

[rickhirsch]

congratulations on the hunt you wanted !
but on the other side of old. i,m going to be 70 in a couple months . and just finished my hunting
season and didn't get hunt elk because the deer i shot almost killed me. i was by myself it was a half mile
but i'm old and beat up had my knee's replaced this year also prostate cancer broken neck 15 years ago
but i'm training very day. my next year hunt starts yesterday ! to all you old guys hunting keeps you
young. it Getts you up in the morning and give you purpose to be with the one's you love grandkid's
son's daughters . the memory's you make .aren't always just yours . old man Rich

 

[Bill Norris]

Condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. Very enjoyable to read about the hunt and experience. Fantastic write up.

 

[Northridge]

Enjoyed the story Dave what trip..

Shawn Williams

 

[marchx]

Thank you for posting this here, Sir.