Prepping for a trip

K

Kevin Puls

Well-known member
Next Friday my old man and I head to Wyoming to try to harvest some pronghorn.

It has been hard to get enthused as things here are so busy. Work is busy, kids are busy, house needs tending.

But I need to take this trip. I need to take my dad. He spend much of his 20's summering in Wyoming (a schoolteacher) and it is a special place to him. Much like myself, as he got older, money and family made it difficult. We have been a few times in the last 20 years, and have come home with punched tags and coolers full.

But he is getting older, and it is likely going to be his last chance, at least as a hunter. His vision is failing, his balance is bad. It is hard to see him not function like the man of my youth. It was always he who shot second, and carried the load. He always let me claim the bird and ensured that I saw success when he did not.

He used to be a passionate water fowler, but he finds the early mornings, cold air and mucky marshes too much anymore. I believe he has already had his last waterfowl hunt. Thankfully I have my good frien Jon Yenulonis to hunt with now. Because I miss spending time in the marsh with the old man. And Jon helps keep that hurt at bay.

I remembered just now that the last bird he harvested was a big Canada Goose at Magee Marsh. It was also the last waterfowl hunt of my first lab Josephine. But I digress.

The tables have turned now. I did not even buy a buck tag. He has a buck and two doe tags, and I a doe tag. I hope we can find him a nice one and fill a cooler in Wyoming one last time. It is the least I can do.

Why do I burden you with this? Because this is the only way to get it off my shoulders. You see, in sitting down to write this, I realize that the reason I am not enthused is not due to a lack of ambition, or cost, or the work that I should be doing, but because this may very well be he and I's last big trip.

I'm ready now. Thanks.
 
I dread the day... But with every passing season I feel it getting closer and closer. Your post made my insides swell... My heart fill with emotion. What a special trip u are about to embark upon.. Enjoy it!
 
Best of luck to you and your Dad Kevin. Regardless of how full the cooler is I know he'll appreciate and cherish every moment in the field with you. Have fun out there and be safe!
Steve
 
It's a hard thing to see, our hero's made mortal. I know the time you spend and memories you share together will be something you both look back on and cherish.
 
Don't dwell on the last hunt aspect of the hunt focus on making this a memorable hunt for both of you. I never got these types of memories with my father and he died young. Every time I go on a trip with my son I try to make the trip memorable and a bonding experience. That does not mean that things have to go well or you have to kill a record buck, just quality time in God's country away from the hustle and headache of everyday life will bring you memories that will last you a lifetime. You will have plenty of time for regret after he is gone. For now enjoy him and the experience. Good luck and Gods speed
 
Good morning, Kevin~

I applaud your inclination and ability to put your thoughts and emotions down in writing. When I learned of my own Dad's passing 4 years ago - in the middle of the night - I sat down and started writing.

Although his physical abilities waned over the years, I was able to get him afield almost to the end. And, although I can still feel a twinge of sadness, I can readily recall the smile in his eyes from our many times afield - and just at each other's sides. My recollections of him always end with me smiling and being thankful for the storehouse of memories I can rely on at any time. It sounds to me like you and your Dad both carry such troves around with you in your hearts.

All the best,

SJS
 
I read this immediately after it was written, but yet I am still having a hard time replying to it.

Although when I was growing up, my dad and I did a lot together, In my adult years, for whatever reason, my father and I grew apart. The very few times we shared afield are memories I will always cherish.

Until he moved 1500 miles away, son and I were able to share a lot of absolutely awesome times together, so I get the emotions from the other end.

Although it is hard to do, I would urge you to focus on the present activities and steer away from fretting about what may or may not happen. Those thoughts will detract from you being able to thoroughly enjoy this trip.

Safe travels and good luck on your trip!

Jon
 
Thanks everyone. The perspective from the outside looking in helps motivate me to take the trip every moment at a time. I saw my dad today as we began to make a list, he is giddy as a school girl.

I will heed the advice and try not to pressure myself to make anything more of it than it will be on its own!
 
This is very cool, congratulations on the trip. My dad, who is not a hunter, was with me with his camera the very first time I shot a limit of ducks. I will never forget that. 5 young Wigeon and a nice drake ringneck. He is getting in the boat with me this year on one heck of an adventure, a late season BIG water hunt. And he has even decided to buy his licensure and bring a gun. He enjoys shooting sporting clays with me in the summer, so he should have no problem shooting decoyed butterballs.

It's good to be reminded that this is about making memories more than getting food. As good as the food is, hamburger and chicken will always be cheaper.


Paul
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top