A boy and his recurve in Africa

Keith Zimmerman · July 05, 2014, 08:48:00 PM

Chance of a lifetime. Awesome!!

BOWMARKS · July 05, 2014, 09:24:00 PM

Wow that young man is going to have some stories to tell

wapiti792 · July 05, 2014, 11:20:00 PM

Jerry,what a wonderful opportunity for him. I can't wait to meet him in Bear camp next year and hear all the stories first hand. A father worries but when you have prepared him like you have, it will be an adventure!

Encourage him to write. It is one thing to film, Lord knows I like that as well, but have him put his feelings down. That will mean more to him when he is old like us

Perhaps I will get to share an African camp with father and son, and I can hear both stories first hand under an endless sky with a gemsbok steak and a good glass of vino. Until then, prayers for your young man, and good fortune for the hunter in him

Jerry Russell · July 06, 2014, 08:06:00 AM

Mike,

I certainly will encourage the writing. I started journals 35 years ago and looking back through those things now is priceless. It is amazing how much a man can forget about the emotional side of a hunt. A picture and a video are nice but reading how a sunrise or sunset made you feel or the emotional impact of walking up on your first caribou, moose or whatever is something much more valuable than any trophy. I have many volumes of journals and I can only guess what they will mean to my children one day.

This adventure is so much more than just a hunting trip for Luke. He will see and do things that he has never done before. I hope it burns deeply into his memory.

Bill Hamrick · July 06, 2014, 09:39:00 AM

Jerry, what an adventure for a young man. He will make many memories that will carry him through life. I wish you and Luke much success.

Scott E · July 06, 2014, 10:31:00 AM

Sounds like a great summer for a 16 year old.

Jerry Russell · July 07, 2014, 01:04:00 PM

We are packing for him now. It feels so weird to be getting him ready for a hunt that I am not going on.

Bill Turner · July 07, 2014, 01:43:00 PM

What a great opportunity. An experience that will never be forgotten. Be safe and be sure to share the experience upon your return.

Sam McMichael · July 07, 2014, 01:59:00 PM

That will remain a highlight for his entire life. We all hope to hear about his adventures. May he have a safe and pleasant journey.

gringol · July 07, 2014, 02:15:00 PM

That's a lucky kid! Awesome opportunity!

Jerry Russell · July 18, 2014, 06:39:00 PM

Just put my son on that plane. He will soon be 8,000 miles away... Gulp. He has 16 arrows and a debit card. I better hurry and get over there.

Bjorn · July 18, 2014, 06:58:00 PM

Great opportunity, it is hard to balance protection and letting go sometimes; you are a thoughtful parent.

July 18, 2014, 07:19:00 PM

That sounds really cool! I would jump at an opportunity like that. Good on you for letting him go!

Bisch

Blueridge · July 18, 2014, 10:06:00 PM

Boy is he going to have fun. Prayers for safe travel for Luke .

habujohn · July 19, 2014, 05:52:00 PM

Wow what a great thing your son is getting to do. I would have given a lot to do something like that when I was a young man. Sure hope he stays safe and he appreciates this time in his life.

Jerry Russell · July 22, 2014, 11:39:00 AM

The reports are trickling back to me from Africa.

On day one my son was working with a PH and tracking several animals shot by hunters and putting out leopard baits. He is having a WILD time and loving every minute.

For those that have met him, you know he is a tough 16 year old. This was a short update I just received.... " Luke broke a tooth on jerky but glued it back with super glue. He is out hunting squirrels now with his bow".

Man I wish I was there with him.

cahaba · July 22, 2014, 09:19:00 PM

Awesome Jerry. Thanks for the update and please keep us posted on his adventures.

Bill Hamrick · July 23, 2014, 09:03:00 AM

Jerry that's great, I'm sure your already missing him. But the memories that are being made are priceless. Look forward to more updates.

NittanyRider · July 23, 2014, 09:15:00 AM

Jerry - I can really feel the concern you have for your son (in a good way) in your writing. My daughter just turned 10 yesterday, so I'm a little ways off from dealing with that level of "letting go", but there's no doubt about it... it is scary!

Hang in there!

David

Sam McMichael · July 23, 2014, 09:52:00 AM

Hey, Jerry! This year at deer camp your "little boy" will be telling his great hunting stories to Daddy, instead of the other way around. Let's hope he lets you stay up late enough to hear them all. Please remind him he has to share these stories with all of us as well.