My son Tyler went on a two year mission for our church to Fortaleza, Brazil. He left October of 2011 and got home October 1, 2013. It was a long time to be without my hunting and fishing buddy.
Once he got home we got right back to hunting and fishing just like before he left. I only have him for a little bit longer as he will be moving off to attend BYU in Idaho. As most of you dad's know, once they go off to college getting them back home just doesn't happen. It'll be another 8 years or so before we can really enjoy our hunting and fishing again. Tyler is going for a BS in Biology and then hopes to continue on to dental school.
We enjoyed several fishing outings and he is just as good as always.
Here are a couple of nice smallmouth he caught and a 7# largemouth from Florida. He's been busy since he got home spending time in Indiana, Florida, and NYC.
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/TylerNiceBigSmallmouth.jpg) (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/TJReceveur/media/TylerNiceBigSmallmouth.jpg.html)
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/TylerNiceSmallmouth.jpg) (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/TJReceveur/media/TylerNiceSmallmouth.jpg.html)
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/Tyler7lbLM.jpg) (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/TJReceveur/media/Tyler7lbLM.jpg.html)
Anyway, I guess bowhunting and fishing is just like riding a bike. He started shooting his bow regularly and within a week he felt pretty good about his shooting. We then started hunting. On his 3rd outing of the year, this nice young doe gave him a shot and he made it count. The deer didn't go 70 yards. The shot was high and a bit back, but was angling into the good stuff.
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/Tyler5Deer.jpg) (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/TJReceveur/media/Tyler5Deer.jpg.html)
We just returned from a trip to Indiana with some good PBS friends and had a great time.
One evening we were all sitting around the campfire telling stories about our hunts and it came up that most of us were seeing a lot of raccoons. My buddy Gene said they were pretty good eating...well that pretty much sealed the fate on one as we have a "law" in our house that says "you kill, you eat it". Tyler has eaten Cardinals and Robins... Here's the result of his next outing.
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/TylerandCoon.jpg) (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/TJReceveur/media/TylerandCoon.jpg.html)
And the "law" was followed. BBQ raccoon. He said he liked it. I'm glad I didn't shoot it!
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/BBQRaccoon.jpg) (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/TJReceveur/media/BBQRaccoon.jpg.html)
During our Indiana hunt Tyler had several opportunities at does and very little bucks, but chose to pass them...that is until the final day. This unlucky buck made the mistake of strolling by his stand. He said it caught him by surprise...translation..."I was texting my girlfriend"...anyway at least he had the composure to grunt at it and it stopped with its vitals boxed between two trees at 19 yards. Following is the result..
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/TylerBuckArrow.jpg) (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/TJReceveur/media/TylerBuckArrow.jpg.html)
You really couldn't ask for a better shot.
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/LungShot.jpg) (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/TJReceveur/media/LungShot.jpg.html)
It sure is great to have my son home. I can only imagine the longing of fathers who have sons serving in the military. It must be a horrible emptiness in your heart. My son was in a pretty tough place and was robbed at gun point and hospitalized 5 times, but he is home safe. I am so grateful for all the blessing the Lord has given me. Thanks for coming along.
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/TylerApproachingBuck.jpg) (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/TJReceveur/media/TylerApproachingBuck.jpg.html)
(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/TylerBuck2.jpg) (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/TJReceveur/media/TylerBuck2.jpg.html)
well he has certainly made the most of his time since hes been back. great pics!
Great stuff!
Fantastic story. Thank you for sharing.
A well stated revelation of the genuine blessings we share.
He has been very busy, both with his mission work and with his hunting. I know you are very proud of him. It is really enjoyable to follow his many exploits. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome!
Bisch
Really happy day with the kids come home....no doubt.
:thumbsup:
He looks to be a great outdoorsman. Congratulations, you raised him right.
That's great Terry, I hope he can make it to Shawn's in February.
Outstanding! You should be very proud!
LD
Awesome homecoming, praise God for his service for the Lord.
Welcome Home Tyler. Hope we can chase rabbits again this winter.
Congrats on your Deer and Raccoon.
Terry, you must fix the fishing pictures, they're hurting My neck! :readit: Glad you are making the most of Tyler's time home :campfire:
Awesome bro, happy for the family.
Happy your son is home Terry. Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Thank him for his mission's work and bless the both of you for the healthy relationship you've foster....at home and in the field...
><>>
glenn
Outstanding!!! Glad you have him home and many blessings for your family :clapper:
I couldn't do 2 weeks without my sins let alone two years
Good stuff you guys didn't waste time
Thanks everyone. I am very blessed to have a great hunting family and kids. Both my sons and both my daughters hunt with me.
Tyler won't be able to make JLMBH as he will be off to college.
Not sure who is luckier to have the other.....Tyler or Terry.
Good stuff. :thumbsup:
I'm happy to know your wonderful family brother, Tyler is a fine young man....congrats to Ty on the great buck!!!
BTW....can you text me and let me know who you are, I lost my phone a few weeks ago,and of course all my contacts. Have a new one now, so I need all my buds to contact me!!
:clapper:
Happy for you and your Son, Terry. Way to make the most of your time....
I am in your sons shoes. Been gone and haven't hunted with my dad in 3 years and its hard every season with out him, but it makes the hunts more meaningful...We are planning a squirrel hunt and later a moose hunt...Makes the time go by quicker! Glad you two were able to enjoy it!
Sounds like a fine young man with proper priorities in many life areas and great relationship you have. You can't ask for much more than that as far as I am concerned. I have a son growing up that is headed in the right direction with a heart in the right place so far. It is going to be very hard to let him go.
Glad he is home. Good hunter!
:thumbsup:
Welcome home man!! Congrats way to put em down!
Hey thanks for sharing.. You have a done a good job raising a fine young man...
Joe
PS But the local wildlife will be glad to see him.
Thanks for this thread. My "baby" girl is heading away to college next year and I am trying to find more time with her to make sure I don't miss her too bad when she goes.
I think you should accompany him during his college years in Idaho. You know, just to keep an eye on him...and the mountains out there :)
Welcome back Tyler! Some good shooting! Hopefully you can transfer down to Provo and i'll introduce you to some elk :)
Thanks for shareing, Terry money can't buy the wealth you have.
Thank you for sharing something so precious to you with us.
:archer:
Dick, you know it my friend. I am blessed beyond measure.
I hope you and your family are all well and wish you the best Holiday season.
I'm thinking it's almost time for Ben to be an alligator hunter! :)
Ben , Sawyer and Jake the next group of grandsons in line all took their bow coarse this fall. Of coarse Bill takes Ben hunting my son Tom takes his son Sawyer but Jakes father is not a hunter so I have been taking Jake since he was three, he's now 11yrs old we will be out Thanksgiving morning. Ever since Billy shot his alligator Jakes has been asking when he can go! Just wait until your grandchild starts asking can I go too!!!!!!!!!! Holiday wishes to you and your family.
That's cool, Indiana. Your son has grown into a fine young man, nothing better to to give thanks for than that. Good luck to you both.
Fantastic Family Wealth for sure!
Happy Thanksgiving Terry! Say hello to Tyler and the tribe!
Ya' done good. Be proud!! :archer: