Diehard,

This is a topic that I can relate closely too as well. I was once in your position. I absolutely lovedbeing inthe mountains and hunting more than any other activity. Followed so closely by my passion to play football and baseball. I played basketball as well in H.S.

My father sat me down and like many of the guys here above andreminded me in my JR High years..that I only had my H.S. and the college years to play sports. He let me make my own decision about playing ball..but told me if I was going to start a sport, I would finish it. Finally he talked tome alot about making sacrifices in life if I wanted to excell in others.

I made some sacrifices in regards to hunting as a teen. I am glad that I did. I always knew in the back of my head that I would hunt like a madman later in life after my teens and early twenties...I went on to be an all state football andbaseball player, then went to college SOLEY because of football.Unexpectedly mydad died while I was in H.S. I would have never pursued the degree that I have now or realized my passion for being a teacher if it wouldnt have been for the motivation football provided. Football kept me in school period!.... baseball and basketball also taught me valuable life long lessons. Football helped mesignificantly to pay my way through college when I had no $$ from home. I still hunted my butt off every chance I got and purposely went to a smallcollege in MT> that had great fishing and hunting. . So I got the best of both worlds I guess.

Like everyone has said, keep a balance, do what is right for your situation as all of us have different variables in our equations of life!

Your young, I hope you make the decision that leaves you with no regrets. Best of luck.


Troy