Every December 27th I dedicate a hunt to my grandfather since it is his birthday. He was a war vetran who fought on Okinawa during WWII in the Army Tech 5 Division. He now rests in Ft. Custer Memorial cemetary in Augusta,MI close to some of my favorite hunting ground.
He would always tell me about deer hunting when I was young and also about his love for chasing rabbits. His sense of humor was side splitting and genuine. Unfortunately he passed before I was old enough to hunt, but his stories inspired me to teach myself how to hunt.
I went out in an unusually warm and rainy December evening. The warm gusts of wind felt so good, even with the drizzle soaking my shirt and pants. I know long stretches of freezing cold lie ahead and I soaked up every moment. Right before dark, I had two doe within 60yds and thought I'd be able to add mojo to my daughters bow(I'm borrowing it at the moment,LOL!) No shots were presented. No matter though, I had gramps with me. :D
If you have a grandparent who hunts, share it with them as much as possible. You'll appreciate it and so will they.
That is as fine of a reason for a hunt as I can thik of.
:thumbsup:
A fine reason indead...
My grandfather was also in wwII, a medic with merrils muraders. the 2000 mile march. Like you i never hunted with my grandfather though i have alot of memories spent with him but i never herd his stories about hunting. I have heard the stories that my dad has told me about my granfather taking my him hunting in east PA. mostly small game.
Now days my dad, my son and me hunt some deer, squirl and rabbit. With our longbows in hand just out enjoying the day together in the great outdoors.
Im almost 39, and i know my generation generaly doesn't seem to cherish or try to pass along these types of memories and traditions. The generations after me seem to be worse( maby im getting old) about tradition and family.
I commend you on the tradition you have set and what i think you will pass onto your daughter and others around you in your life.
This is what i enjoy about traditional archery and the people who participate in the life style, A sence of tradition and remberence of where we have come from and maby why we are here.
This is what i hope my son sees when the three of us are togther in the field and i hope he will pass along the memories to his children years from now.
In memorie of those before us.
:notworthy:
sorry western PA.
That is a cool idea. I never knew either of my grandfathers. One died during WWII, when a hospital ship he was on was torpedoed. The other died at 54 from a heart attack, and I wasnt around then either. I have often wondered what they were like. What they enjoyed, their hobbies, etc.
I know my mother's father was a well known Danish marksmen. The axis took all of hie guns, but let him keep his trophies.
I think it is a great way to remember and honor him. I know a lot of the time I spend in the woods, it feels as if I am with my dad. He is unable to hunt, and in a home with alzheimer's. I know where you are coming from.
Good stuff.
thats i fine reason Arwin i lost my grandfather last year, he was a big hunter used to shoot buffalo in Zaire. i think i should do the same thing for his birthday.
That's a great idea Arwin. My grandpa died before I was born but my grandma and my dad tell me I'm a lot like him and if he were still with us he and I would be up north all the time lost in the woods somewhere (deliberatly of course :) ).
Zack
Thank you for sharing your hunt with your Grandpa. The grandfather I'm named after was gone before I was born. My other died when I was five years old.
I have often thought about what it would have been like to get to know them. Ask questions, spend time, ect...
I've always told those around me that have grandparents they are lucky and blessed. Don't waste any of "it"..
Thanks for sharing and what a way to honor your Grandfathers memory.