I don't want to sound like I am bragging because I am FAR FROM IT. But it was my step-father who first took me deerhunting and got me hooked. Despite owning over 50k acres all across the south and mid-west (large farming and cattle operations) he only took a couple of deer in his lifetime, and that was only after my step-brother carried him out and basically MADE him sit long enough to kill one, lol. He just wasn't a patient man and wouldn't sit still over 30mins too an hour tops. He elk hunted and other game, but really loved birdhunting the most. Too him it was more about the atmosphere and camraderie with buddies, kind of a "social event" too him. He much more liked a morning spent in a pit in southern IL filled with business associates and all the typical comforts that are included in the modern waterfowl blind.

I quickly "learned" more about deer hunting in a couple of years than perhaps he knew, but he taught me SOOOOOOO much more about life and much more important things than just the hunt itself. He likewise made it possible for me to enjoy the hunts that I have been priviliged too in the first place. For that I am forever indebted and know that I can't even dream to accomplish his "abilities" in many areas such as that. I just appreciate the time he spent with me and the love of the outdoors that he instilled in me.

Now more than ever I wish I could hunt just one more time with him, he passed away this past January and this will obviously be our first deer season without him. That is why I am SOOOOOO much looking forward too the first gunhunt of the season, our annual family/friends hunt on his cattle ranch in southern MO. I already know EXACTLY the tree I will be in and will be there with his prized 300Wby MkV Deluxe elk rifle that he left too me (which he didn't kill with either). I know he will be there in spirit and it will be a terribly emotional moment for me if/when I do take something with that rifle this November.

In many ways I am appreciative for basically being "dropped off" into the woods (once old enough obviously, he hunted with me a couple of times when I was 12 to make sure I could handle it on my own) and essentially made to learn on my own. He provided the "place" to hunt and the encouragement too do so. In my mind that was his way of "showing me the ropes" and he used to comment on my frequent success as a youngster.

Good question,
RA