When to say when

A

anthony m coons sr

Well-known member
When is it time to start thinking about turning everything over to your kids. Or even when is it time to step down from running a club you love. At fifty nine these thing are in front of me now. One because I'm not in the best of health. But I'm still ticking and still love Hunting and our families. As I told you all before I run a small water fowl club in upstate NY. Its not a drinking club nor does it even have a club house. It a piece of land on the Hudson River where I spent so much time in my life. Its under power lines and its called the Towers Duck Club. This piece of land got me past both my mom and dads passing, Two broken marriages and a ton of rehab for work related injuries. It was a play land for my boys and numbers of dogs.There is a long road leading into this land. Small Bays on both sides. At high tide you walk the road and jump birds just to see them jump. It was heaven for me for many year. Old timers that were my friends turned it over to me. About thirty years ago to be the president. They thought enough of me back then to be the future of the Club. Now I think its time for me to do the same thing to another young man. Most of the members are older then me and can't do the work anymore to maintain the site. Which is the reason why the Power Company let us there in the first place. It was a dump site when we came in. When is it time, Is there a age limit ,or do you just hope to live a long life. At this time I did pick a new President. But I stayed on as the Director to run the club until the new young man is ready to take full control. When is it time. Its coming soon. Just not today.[;)]
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Good morning, Anthony~


Although the tone of your post is unavoidably melancholy, I cannot help but understand your attachment to what sounds like a magical piece of ground. I do not have a ready answer for you, but I do know that most of us with more than a few seasons under our belts have seen the passing of many good things. Maybe it's the places or the family and friends or our own physical capabilities that have been lost. I have found that stopping to reflect upon and be thankful for the rich memories provides a profound satisfaction of a life well-spent - and also the drive to keep putting one booted foot in front of the other.


I am very glad to hear that a younger gunner is poised to grab the tiller when you are ready to let it go.


All the best,


SJS

 
Steve

I look back at days gone by just like everyone of us. The family the friends and the great respect we witnessed back in the day. We always say tomorrow will be a great day. That's only because we don't have a time machine to go back to those days gone by. Tomorrow may never come for us one day. But those days behind us. We can always visit as along as we are here.

Thanks
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Anthony -

As dedicated waterfowlers. We have chosen a lifestyle and passion that many outside the brother & sister hood cannot understand and appreciate.

Our heritage is rich, and tied tightly to Mother Nature/God, family, and friends.


At one time the torch was passed to us, from those that opened our eyes and hearts to Waterfowling.

Never thinking that someday we would be the ones to give the torch away to someone else.


It is very good that you are mentoring a young man to carry on. That is a blessing indeed.


The man that was my mentor and best friend, was many years older than I. He was very wise and told me. "Spend time with young people, they will keep you young."


If there is a age limit, it is a personal decision that you will make when the time comes. Just as those before you did.

You will know when it is time


Like many of us, you have lived your dream as a waterfowler, through goods times and not so good times.

I tip my hat to you, and wish you all the best.

Vince
 
Vince

Thank you for the kind words, It couldn't of been said any better. As always your words are wise. God Bless and happy trails my friend.
 
I took, find myself in exactly the same situation. I've been a member of a local "Dog Club" here for about 36 years, and have been the President for about the last 25 or so. (What's interesting here, is, it's all, with the exception of me, Springer Spaniel owners). We pride ourselves as being one of only a couple clubs in the country, who host an annual AKC licensed Field Trial on our own grounds, and one of the longest running Trials in the country. And, my family and I have a lifetime worth of memories there too.

I also have health issues, and not as much time or energy as I used to have. Our dilemma is- there really are no "younger" guys to pass it on to right now. There are a few younger members, but my experience with their responsibilities and dedication, is not worthy of passing the torch onto.

It hit me a couple years ago, when one of the members, who hasn't been a member as long as me, but is slightly older, turned and said to me- "gee, we're the old guys now!"

Jon
 
I find that I have changed in my approach to hunting over the last few years. No more slogging through mud, more open water hunts, and more fields. I used to hunt (was a member) at a public waterfowl unit that had a board of directors and members, and I found it run like a private club for the executives benefit. That was a fundamentally disheartening experience that led me to believe that less frequent hunts with more quality was the way to go. While I belong to no clubs today, I do enjoy a guided hunt where I get to enjoy the outing without the exhausting work. Like so many others, the last year was full of challenges for me, and rather than dwell on it I look forward to next year.

I hope things work out at your little bit of paradise and that you get to enjoy the remaining years you choose to hunt at the place you love. As for when to say when... I aspire to be like Al Hansen who is still going out at 77.
 
Paul

Thanks for the reply, Like you! now days I hunt open water and I play the tide for my hunts. I go on guided hunts when I can. I will enjoy the sites and sounds of my little piece of heaven when I can. And remember and honor the men and women that came before me that made it possible. Thanks and good luck to you.
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Jon

First and most important take care of yourself my friend. Given up the powers of running a Club is hard. Not the part of being the President. But the part in my heart ! that wonders, will the next person have the same love and respect I do. Times are different, some people think more of their phones. Then they do of people and places. I can only hope and pray that they next leader loves it as much as me. In your case its harder because you don't have anyone yet. But I'm sure you will find the next leader soon. Thanks
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Teeth are made not only for chewing but for grinding. I am sure you have done some of that grinding and I hope you will continue to do so. Like you I am no prance the gunnel or bounce rock to rock kind of guy any longer but I now find pleasure in bossing some youngsters around in how to set the blocks, mix the fuel, always check the plug, keep the wind at your back and etc.

Its hard to let the reigns go, don't think I ever will entirely.

Stay well and keep grinding.
 
David

Thanks, your words are strong and I hear ya! I'll never let go all the way until the good lord tells me to. Old timers told me the same thing back in the day. Check this! check that , and after that check it again. I thought they were just breaking my chops. But now I know, they just cared and wanted me to be safe.Thanks again my friend. Good Health and happy hunting.
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