Took some newbies squirrel hunting

[Legionnaire]

Just before Christmas, I took a friend and his just-turned-twelve-year-old son out on their first hunt. The son has been itching to hunt for a long time. He took his hunter safety course when eleven, and used his own money to buy an NEF 12 gauge. His dad is an outdoorsman (was an Eagle Scout), but not a hunter/shooter. So I got tapped to take them out first time.

Weather was not very good for squirrels; cold and blustery, with snow flurries. Nevertheless, we walked through the woods and saw several. I pointed one out to the son, told him to get ready, then circled to the left to chase the squirrel around the tree where the young hunter-to-be could get a shot. It took two, but he got it! Dad got one as well.

Then it was back to the house to walk them through the skinning/cleaning process. Dad didn't think it was too bad at all, and the son (of course), thought the whole thing was "cool!"

So, two new hunters join the ranks, and I had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon to boot!

 

[Dave R]

Congratulations on a successful hunt!

Thanks for passing on the tradition to the next generation. That's an important thing to do. Maybe among the MOST important things to do.

 

[Captain Bligh]

I took my boys rabbit hunting yesterday. It was the first rabbit hunt for my 14 year old since he was licensed. We didn't see a rabbit but my 14 year old bagged his first late-season squirrel. he fired the clean-up shot after my 21 year old missed. It was a great time. The time with family/friends, the comaradarie, and the required story telling far surpass any joy in putting game in the freezer. I have fond memories of days I spent with my Dad in the field. I wish he was still with us so he could have enjoyed yesterday with his grandsons.

Regards,
RJ