60 years a Bow Hunter

[Ron LaClair]

This week as I pack to leave for my ShrewHaven deer camp in a couple days, I realize that this year is going to be special. It's my 60th anniversary hunting deer with a bow.

Even though it's been that long I still remember that first hunt in October of 1955. It was in the Jordan River Valley State Forest in northern Michigan. At that time the deer population was high and and so was my anticipation.

With my brand new 52# Bear Kodiak and cedar arrows I ventured into the woods. Back then there were no tree stands, no baiting, no instructional videos so I had zero knowledge on how to hunt deer with a bow.  I found a comfortable looking log and sat down to wait for a deer to walk by.

As I recall it wasn't long before I saw a deer coming in my direction. My heart started to race, my mouth got dry and I started to tremble       The closer the deer got the faster my heart raced and my tremble was turning into a shake.

Why the deer didn't hear my heart pounding or see the strange thing shaking on the log, I'll never know.      There have been hundreds of encounters since that first one 60 years ago. It's impossible to remember them all but there are many that stand out and are fondly remembered.

I don't know how many more years I have to hunt but I know that I've become more appreciative of each each new season and each new encounter that I experience.

I'll be eighty next march and I've started to walk like an old man. I know it's noticeable because people are starting to hold doors for me....even women    :D   Every once in a while someone will ask, "Ron do you still hunt?" My stock answer is, "I'll hunt untill they throw dirt in my face"...        

 

[jeffroa2001]

Congratulations on your 60th year, that is quite the milestone. Hopefully you will have many more years in the woods, admittedly it is pretty impressive you are still hunting at almost 80. Thank you for sharing your story and have a great season.

[Thumper Dunker]

      Never met you but your one of my heroes .

[Jwilliam]

Congrats on the milestone Ron !!! I sure hope I'm still hunting at 80.


Bill

[forester45]

Congratulations Ron, you are an inspiration to us young'uns. I'll turn 70 next month and feel the same way.

[woodchucker]

Congratulations on your 60th year, Ron!!!!!
I have to confess... I'm a "Door Holder" LMAO!!! Pretty Little Ladies... Little Old Ladies... and yes, "Old" Men! It's a respect thing, Ron... You've climbed the mountain, and you've rode the river! You have my utmost respect!!! It would truly be an honor, to hold the door for you!!!
Congratulations Again, and Good Luck this season!!!!! May the Great One watch over you, and keep you safe for another Winter.....

[JEFF B]

congrats ya old bugger      

[dsturgissr]

I hope you have many more years Ron. Like you will keep going as long as I can. Took a doe a couple of days ago and still a thrill.  Denny Sturgis Sr

[Tater]

Congratulations...that is quite a milestone.

Good luck out there this year....

[Jayrod]

Congratulations Ron you should be proud!! It was very nice meeting and speaking with you at ETAR this year!!

[Stone Knife]

Every season is a Blessing, may yours continue for many more.

[Paul Cousineau]

[Hopewell Tom]

Eighty and still at it. That's the kind of inspiration I need to keep at it. I'm 65 on Saturday and plan to continue until I get the shovelful in the face too.
Good luck this season and many more.

[Charlie Lamb]

Congratulations on the milestone Ron. I can remember wanting to be a deer hunter more than anything. I also remember not know where any deer were or anyone who knew where any deer were.
They were pretty scarce in Missouri.

Maybe the fact that we are self taught makes it more special or more likely it's the years of using what we've learned that makes it all so memorable.

All I really know is I made it... and so did you! No more shaking like a dog passing peach seeds. Though I do remember that with a smile.

Like you there are far too many stories of deer and other critters long gone that are so deep in the memory bank that they most likely will never surface again. There's something a little wrong about that, but it is what it is.

Just keep putting arrows in the air my friend. You are tops.

[Roy from Pa]

Ya have me beat, Ron. I'm working on 50 years of bow hunting...

[cacciatore]

Ron,you are a hero of the sport,a mentor for me and many others. Stay on it I'm sure you'll have plenty of seasons ahead.
Maybe a book will be appropriate to your knowledge.

[Carcajou]

Ron, that's an inspiration for sure. Would love to share a campfire with you sometime. I'm sure the great memories will re-surface!
I'm sure you have a treasure-trove of stories of the hunts of past.
Enjoy this season at Shrewhaven, and best of luck!

[centaur]

Keep on trucking, Ron. You are an inspiration to us all, but especially to those of us who have seen a lot of winters. Hope that Shrewhaven gives you an opportunity at a big one this year.

[Jim Brennen]

Congratulations Ron, I can still remember my first one 40 years ago, 1975, 15 yeas old, I was on that log shaking also but I had a dumb deer, I put 3 arrows in 3 different trees before I put my last one in the femur artery in her back leg. I hope you have many more years of bow hunting. My Father is 79 years old and still getting out with his sons.

[Homey88]

Congrats to you! Kill a big one this year!