Deer Hunting

[rlditmars]

First let me start by stating that I am an animal lover. I have always enjoyed all animals regardless of Kingdom, Phylum, Class, etc.. I hold mammals, reptiles, birds, etc., at equal status with none being of greater importance than another, simply because of my opinion or passion. Mosquitos and Black Flies are perhaps the only exceptions. I am starting this thread as I would imagine that among our community there may be a number of members who actively participate in deer hunting and would like to share their experiences, success stories, and even those embarrassing stories of the ones that get away. Remember it's called "hunting" not "killing" because often a hunt does not culminate in a successful harvest. I do not wish to be berated for my choice nor do I wish to be converted to a non-hunter so please be respectful of my choice and my privilege to hunt. I will be equally respectful of your choice not to hunt or view this thread if you should find the content to be offensive. If it helps some of you, please rest assured that I do not harvest any animals that I will not process myself and consume. As a matter of fact there are some species that I have hunted once, decided I did not care for the fare, and chose to never hunt it again. It is important to me not to just take the animal for the purpose of a trophy. However, that doesn't mean I would condemn those that choose to hunt just for the sport as that is their prerogative. Game animals are a renewable resource which through proper management should be around for all to enjoy, whether that is simply observing them in the wild or harvesting them and utilizing the bounty at the dinner table.

Thank you for your understanding and with that being said, here is a picture of a deer I harvested this year in mid Michigan. This hunt was bittersweet for me as I had lost my father and best hunting buddy back in August. This was the first season in 38 years we did not hunt together. Some friends of ours that we had hunted with in the past got together with me this season, and with a small ceremony, we spread some of my father's ashes at the old deer camp where we first hunted together in 1977. (Love you and miss you, Dad) I hunted with my father's rifle which you can see in the picture, and his hunting knife. The knife had belonged to his best friend, hunting buddy, and my Godfather, until his untimely passing at a young age due to a car accident back in the late 60's. I was quite honored to have these in my possession and to have been able to use them on this hunt.

[IMG][/IMG]

Thanks for looking and please feel free to share your stories here.