Hunting and Bonding

I can still remember my first "real" hunting trip like it was yesterday. I hunted some wild bore once in the army, and was out on some small game trips as well. But I had never really been to the hills to hunt for "buck". I was an invitee and I was more or less just along for the ride. I didn't own a very good rifle at the time but was promised the use of someone's extra. (This is comical to me now because most hunter's can't have enough toy's, er rifles) But I did have several pocket knives (my trusty Case Knives and Buck Knives) that came along for the ride.

One of the lodge members took me under his wing and allowed me to go out hunting with him An elderly gentlemen with a world of knowledge in hunting. This was a very good and lucky break because as it turned out this fellow was not only very knowledgeable but also willing to share his knowledge and experience. He also did have a rifle which he gladly let me use. As I said my Case Knives and Buck Knives were the only thing of use that I had brought along.

My mentor John preferred to hunt alone in a tree stand (a site to sit or stand that is up in a tree) John had built his own platform in a tree, high enough not to be spotted from the ground. Although "home-made" tree stands are not recommended, John was a carpenter most of his life and had a stand that was quite safe and upgraded from time to time. His "platform" was built with the strength to easily hold two since he had built it with the idea of having his son along many times before. He had long studied the terrain for a nice clear sight line including the air currents to keep his scent from being detected. John had been hunting in this area for years and even though deer will change their trails from year to year he always got a buck every year. And this year would be no exception. Immediately you realize the importance for being quiet and observant. This is harder than you may think. But since I had a good teacher it was easy to follow his lead. I must say this truly is a challenge, as you are on the deer's turf.

On that day we did get a nice six pointer (John brought it down with one clean shot) and the experience lives with me to this day. And this is where my Case Knives and Buck Knives came in handy. I actually had better hunting knives than John. I think without such an experience and mentor such as John, I may not have ever had the interest in hunting that I now have today. John was the only lodge member to get a buck, and each and every year he still does.

I have been deer hunting several times since but not with my friend John. The "hunting and bonding" we did that day was a great experience that will last my lifetime. I try to do my best as did John that day in passing along the knowledge and friendship.

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