Probably my last hunt

[BlueWater]

... I thought about the experience ... I’ve been losing the desire to actually take an animal ... 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.

That's basically what I do, these days. My hunting days are over. But, being out there, just another animal in the hills, seeing all the beauty that Nature has to offer ... it's what I've always loved most anyway. And, as you say, while doing all that contemplating, you can still make a few friends and have a great experience.

A rose, by any other name, 'n' all.

Keep yer "left" up.

 

[thekriebles]

Thank you for sharing such a personal, and perhaps, a life-changing experience with us. The photos are phenomenal. Congrats on your determination and commitment while dealing with many challenges. Condolences to you and your family for your loss.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Thanks for sharing dave. That was awesome!

 

[Ga. Dawg]

Awesome Dave! As good as it gets my Friend!!!

Mike

 

[shoot4fun]

@Dave Way the memories of the trip (trek) will always be with you and the courage it took to make your decision is a reflection of who you are.
Thank you for sharing and, from one cancer survivor to another, may God bless you.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Haven't reached that plateau,yet. But do find myself focusing on a single whitetail buck, critters that don't appeal to my taste buds also have fallen low on my shooting list. Except for coyotes, prairie dog, I hope not to lose interest.

 

[hogpatrol]

Dave, your story and photos made my day. Loved those aerial pics. Thanks for posting.

 

[DJSBRS]

Dave, thank you for sharing this part of your personal journey in life. You are fantastic writer, a humble steward of our sport and excellent example of a seasoned hunter. May God bless you and your family on your future journeys in life.

DJ

 

[wvlongshot]

Fantastic story about a most successful trip. Thank you for taking the time to share with us.

 

[JFrank]

Cool story Dave and thank you for sharing, there must be something going around because I keep passing up shots myself, I’ll have them in my sights with the safety off then for some reason I’ll slowly return to safe position. There is a gratification it seems.
Jim

 

[DirtySteve]

Great write up and pictures... I thought about going after an elk but really don't have room for it in the freezer. I contemplated going elk hunting and just setting up for the shot, then just dry fire the rifle.

 

[Ccrider]

Thanks for sharing. May God help you and your family in dealing with your loss.

 

[Evan]

I really appreciate the time you took to share this with us. Posts like yours remind me why I check in here regularly.

I also appreciate your decision not to take the goat. Finding meaning in the journey resonates with me, as I’ve never felt the need to actually take the shot.

 

[NA Woody]

Dave,
Thanks for sharing this.
It's interesting to me how many of us as young men are all about killing something to have a successful hunt and then as we mature as hunters and maybe have shot dozens and dozens of game animals (maybe hundreds) the desire is still there to go for the experience....but the need to kill stuff just isn't as strong as it once was. I guess it's part of getting old!
Thanks again for posting this!

 

[snert]

The passing of a father and the brush with our own mortality moves us to a different place. Some fires ebb to just a glowing ember, while others ignite. I pray your time reflecting on the passing of your pop and your own recovery brings you deep appreciation for the memories and a quiet heart as you look into the future.

 

[jpjulian]

Wonderful story and great pictures. Your father would be proud.

 

[RegionRat]

Very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad.
The trip will remind you of him and better days.
Memory Eternal.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

I'm from S.E. Kansas and have spent several years in N.E. Oklahoma.

A few years back, took a trip to Cedar City Utah. I was in aww the entire time looking up at those mountains. So so beautiful. We took a helicopter ride up to the top. Saw some Mule Deer and a few elk and coyote. Was absolutely breath taking. I completely understand what you are talking about losing the desire to take an animal.

After all the years of hunting, you begin to just appreciate being able to see animals in their natural environment like that.

And to come to think, they survive and live in those snow covered mountains. And I wouldn't last one night without food and gear in those same conditions.

 

[BondJamesBond]

Never had the pleasure to meet Dave or a bunch of the guys on this forum...hope to some day.
Great story and condolences....lost my dad when I was 22, and it does suck
But I had to go back to this thread for another look at that turkey...what a beast...don't think I've seen a turkey that big and what beautiful feathering (grew up tying flies)
Larry Wright

 

[Lonny in ID]

Excellent write-up and pictures. The best I've read in quite sometime. Thanks for sharing your story. Sorry about the loss of your Dad and I hope you can keep beating cancer.

Totally respect your choice not to shoot. As I age, I realize the journey is more important than the kill and can understand your decision.

My hat is off to you!