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.

 
 

Great story.  Thanks for sharing!

OUTSTANDING

 I hope your journey continues......

   

What a great team, you two  

Love that! Good for you Robert. Hope to see more posts

Dude, that's as good as it gets!!!

Very cool! Cute kid, nice bow.

Thanks for getting me thinking about the important things in life.

Tom

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!

YEP that's what it's all about...way to go dad!!!          

Good job your son will never forget

Hunt with your kids and you won't have to hunt for them.  Good on you.

Thanks for your story.  Good stuff.  And you're right!

Bless you brother that's what it's all about there!

Wow! That is a great story! This needs to be up top again!!!

Benjy

great story

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

Awesome! I couldn't imagine a better hunting story.