Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: The Baron on January 01, 2014, 09:15:00 PM

Title: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: The Baron on January 01, 2014, 09:15:00 PM
I haven't been on here in while.  I got into traditional archery about 6 years back and was keen on it for a couple years, but then I went through an employment change.  I got caught up being stressed about work, money and all that other nonsense and I pretty much stopped enjoying about all the things I had previously been passionate about.  I'll spare y'all the back-story but I messed up my shoulder at work late this summer and when I decided I should dust off my HH Badger (figuratively speaking - it's well cared for and properly stored) in late November I found it was difficult to draw.  I was sad about that and actually put it up for sale.  But having it out for the pictures tempted me to shoot it a bit and in doing so my 4 year old son took quite an interest in seeing Dad shoot and in trying it himself.  Another month passed and I found my shoulder got stronger and I was able to shoot a little more each time with no discomfort.  My son (Wes) and I started hunting a little bit near home where there is a good population of rabbits.  My son was so enthralled with the outings that I pulled the ad for my bow and bought him a Barnett Lil' Sioux.  Wes was over the moon about having his own bow and, with a little over the shoulder help from Dad he can now stick an arrow in a hay bale from 3 paces.   :)

So the last 3 days (bought my son his bow on Monday) Wes been on me to hunt every day and each day we've headed out in the afternoon to chase rabbits.  We always see 3-4 in our little "secret" spot and Dad has missed several shots - mostly due to the amount of brush the little bunny's always seem to hide behind - but truth be told I did miss one in the wide open at about 10 yards too.  I also let Wes shoot at a few, but since he can't send an arrow past about 12ft. he hasn't connected yet.  But he has shot several pretend rabbits, a good dozen coyotes, one moose and 2 "niocerous".  LOL

Today was our day and after only a few minutes out we'd seen 4 bunny's and we finally found one rabbit that stayed put long enough for me to find a hole in the brush.  I offered to let Wes shoot first, as has been our method all other days, but for some reason he said "no Daddy, I want you to shoot him".  So Daddy stepped up and the powers that be made me a hero when my Judo point flew true for a head shot.

This is the first game I've ever taken with archery gear and I was surprisingly happy about it.  I thank my son for letting me see life through the eyes of a child - even if just for a little while - and reminding me that the time he and I are spending together is far more important than the other things I have been consumed with.  I believe the time we are sharing together is more special with stick and string than if we shot every rabbit we saw with a gun.

I plan on making some changes in 2014 and I thank God for sending me my son to show me the way.

Hope you all have a wonderful year.

   (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/thebaron1/Wes-12-12-311_zps5803bc70.jpg)
   (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/thebaron1/rabbit-13-1-1_zps4fde0a13.jpg)
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Hermon on January 01, 2014, 09:22:00 PM
Great story.  Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: MJB on January 01, 2014, 09:22:00 PM
OUTSTANDING
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: ron w on January 01, 2014, 09:25:00 PM
:thumbsup:  I hope your journey continues......
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: 4dogs on January 01, 2014, 09:38:00 PM
:clapper:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Caughtandhobble on January 01, 2014, 09:43:00 PM
What a great team, you two  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Sockrsblur on January 01, 2014, 10:10:00 PM
Love that! Good for you Robert. Hope to see more posts :)
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: John146 on January 01, 2014, 10:11:00 PM
Dude, that's as good as it gets!!!
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: dhermon85 on January 01, 2014, 10:13:00 PM
Very cool! Cute kid, nice bow.
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Phrogdrvr on January 01, 2014, 10:21:00 PM
Thanks for getting me thinking about the important things in life.

Tom
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on January 01, 2014, 10:21:00 PM
I loved teh story,  Glad you are seeing whats most imortant in life!

Congrats on a good Kid and a fine rabbit for the pot!
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: durp on January 01, 2014, 11:55:00 PM
YEP that's what it's all about...way to go dad!!!  :clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Rays Arrow on January 02, 2014, 12:50:00 AM
Good job your son will never forget
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Bear Heart on January 02, 2014, 01:03:00 AM
Hunt with your kids and you won't have to hunt for them.  Good on you.
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Firstlight on January 02, 2014, 02:27:00 AM
Thanks for your story.  Good stuff.  And you're right!
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Jayrod on January 02, 2014, 06:06:00 AM
Bless you brother that's what it's all about there!
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Benjy on January 08, 2014, 10:04:00 PM
Wow! That is a great story! This needs to be up top again!!!

Benjy
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: J.T. on January 08, 2014, 10:09:00 PM
great story
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Bernie B. on January 08, 2014, 10:10:00 PM
Well said....very nice story about your priorities.  Good luck with 2014 and enjoy your son and the time you get to spend together.

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: slim_grim on January 08, 2014, 10:29:00 PM
Awesome! I couldn't imagine a better hunting story.
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Shakes.602 on January 09, 2014, 06:34:00 AM
God Bless you Both!!   :clapper:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Richard Rounds on January 09, 2014, 06:58:00 AM
Awesome! Enjoyed reading that:)
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: RIng on January 09, 2014, 07:35:00 AM
Good luck to you and yours . Stay connected to Mother earth .
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Tater on January 09, 2014, 08:16:00 AM
Thanks for sharing your story..

  Keep enjoying the truly important things in life, your son will remember these days forever.
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: hitman on January 09, 2014, 08:45:00 AM
That is as good as it gets!   :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Rick Butler on January 09, 2014, 09:55:00 AM
:thumbsup:     :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: varmint101 on January 09, 2014, 11:54:00 AM
Just plain awesome, congrats!!
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: paul87250 on January 09, 2014, 12:09:00 PM
I love hunting with my five year old son as well, we don't get much, but sure is time well spent..
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: MR BILL SHORTY on January 09, 2014, 01:00:00 PM
:thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :archer:
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Manitoba Stickflinger on January 09, 2014, 01:37:00 PM
I read plenty of stories here on TG but that there has to be one of the very best! You are a very blessed man with a clear perspective on what matters. Thank you!
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: SheltonCreeker on January 13, 2014, 11:06:00 PM
Thanks for sharing! So absolutely right on. I hope 2014 brings all good changes for you. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: on January 13, 2014, 11:30:00 PM
Awesome story!

Good luck to you! Sounds like you have a much better view of things now!

Bisch
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: ak213 on January 14, 2014, 02:10:00 AM
Great story! Thank you for sharing this
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Jim Brennen on January 14, 2014, 05:35:00 AM
Great Story, Best of luck to you in 2014
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: Duncan on January 14, 2014, 08:11:00 PM
Now that is how you heal a shoulder and build a bond with your son. May they both remain strong.
Title: Re: Through the eyes of a child...
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on January 14, 2014, 09:24:00 PM
:clapper:     :clapper:  Really enjoyed the message in the story thanks.