Lessons from my Mentor

Bel007 · November 08, 2011, 09:23:00 PM

My bow hunting mentor has taught me a lot about hunting. Well, he has TRIED to teach me alot, some I learned and retained, some... well I just haven't grasped yet.

Gary, "6feathers", took me under his wing when I was a snot nosed teen and taught me about bows, making arrows, shot placement, and general hunting tactics. He saw I had little in the way of money or equipment so always has a "spare whatever" for me to use. He sold me my first real bow, a Black Widow MA, for far less than it was worth. But he knew I had very little and I would not feel right just having him give it to me, so we worked out a "deal".

Gary took me along to deer camp each fall and made sure I had everything else I needed. I remember one year as we were leaving camp and heading to the woods my serving came undone, and I figured I was outta luck, cause I did not own another string. Gary took me back to camp and re-served my string right there and I was back to hunting again. I thought he was pretty darn cool.

He always had a good spot in mind for me to sit. He probably scouted harder for my spot than he did for his own. Later, I had learned to find my own way in the woods. I had some success. But I still had a lot to learn.

I grew up. I moved away. We reconnected a couple times to fling arrows at deer, but for the most part I stopped hunting. I had stopped shooting bows too, for most of the last 20ish years. Now that my kids are grown, I have been fortunate enough to get back into bow hunting and most fortunate to reconnect with Gary. Yes, he is still hunting. Yes, he is still teaching me lessons.

These are some of the lessons Gary taught me that I will always try to remember:

Pick a spot
Aim small, miss small.
Bend at the waist, not the shoulders.
Blood trails are sometimes under low hanging leaves, not always on the ground.
Keep your feet and hands warm.
It is OK to laugh at yourself.
No one is a perfect shot everyday
You can't shoot a deer from the couch.
Find a bow you shoot well.
An ugly bow that you shoot well is more valuable than a pretty bow you can't shoot.
Don't over bow yourself.
Match the arrow to the bow.
Test your arrows bare shafted.
The best broadhead is a sharp one.
Write down your brace height and nock height (Gary puts it on a sticker then attaches it to the bow).
Shooting well is largely mental.
Have confidence in your shooting.
Move closer until you have confidence in your shooting.

And the most important lesson - ANY ANIMAL YOU TAKE WITH A STICK BOW IS A TROPHY.

Here is a picture Gary just sent me of his trophy he took Monday. Gary most likely wouldn't post a picture himself. He's too modest.

I guess over the years Gary has taught me a whole lot more than just bow hunting. He has taught me what it is to be a friend and a mentor. I will always be in his debt.

lilbobby · November 08, 2011, 09:31:00 PM

I think you both deserve each other, FRIENDS! Thanks for the story.

4dogs · November 08, 2011, 09:31:00 PM

You are very fortunate to have found such a friend and very nice that you know that and I'm sure he has benefited from the friendship too...Nice post.

November 08, 2011, 09:31:00 PM

Awesome read!!!!!

Having great friends is a treasure, indeed.

Bisch

rluttrell · November 08, 2011, 09:32:00 PM

That is one of the coolest stories I have ever read
Thanks for sharing

Bjorn · November 08, 2011, 09:39:00 PM

That is terrific! I'm copying the list!!

BrownA5 · November 08, 2011, 09:57:00 PM

Thanks Brian for sharing this story. Great stuff!

legends1 · November 08, 2011, 09:59:00 PM

Love your list,so true.

Ranger75 · November 08, 2011, 10:14:00 PM

Excellent.

David Yukon · November 08, 2011, 10:19:00 PM

this is great! I hoppe to be a mantor to some one one day! Hoppe you can to!!

DannyBows · November 08, 2011, 10:19:00 PM

Excellent story. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Manitoba Stickflinger · November 08, 2011, 10:21:00 PM

I was lucky enough to become friends with Brian this spring and heard stories of his "mentor" Gary. Thanks for sharing Brian...Gary has done well with you. The Manitoba bears don't think so much of you though....Gary's fault, I know!

Homebru · November 08, 2011, 10:42:00 PM

Apparently he forgot to teach you to straighten your arrows. ;-)

Good lessons from a great friend, I'm sure. We can only hope to be the same inspiration to someone else.
homebru

Steve O · November 08, 2011, 10:47:00 PM

Man, I wish we could could have a dozen guys in bear camp!

Great trophy!

Tater · November 08, 2011, 10:54:00 PM

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and the list.

swifty99 · November 08, 2011, 11:13:00 PM

Inspiring post...
Thanks

GRINCH · November 09, 2011, 02:29:00 AM

He sounds like a great friend,your a lucky man.

dispatch 510 · November 09, 2011, 03:02:00 AM

Good story, Im new to trad archery and if you dont mind I will copy your list.

kestimator · November 09, 2011, 10:32:00 AM

Great story!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Huntschool · November 09, 2011, 10:52:00 AM

Thats just cool buddy..... I don't know what else to say....