Not an emotional guy, but...

[mowin]

About 18-20 yrs ago, I took my nephew on his first turkey hunt. He was using his older brothers, Mark,  870. Mark passed in a farming accident a couple yr prior, and Adam wanted to try hunting to honor his brothers memory.  Adam took a very nice tom that morning. 

Unfortunately, Adam passed in a house fire in 2011 leaving behind  a wife and 3 kids.  I keep there dads memory alive with stories of hunting trips, and luckily, both boys were very eager to experience what their dad loved to do. 

Last yr, kayden was old enough for youth turkey season.  We hunted under the same tree as his dad and I did many yrs ago. Kayden took his first, a nice tom on the second morning, using the same 870.  Later that morning, Dominic piped up and said he hoped he could take his first bird under the same tree next yr when he would be old enough to hunt.   Oh boy.. talk about pressure.  

Well, I'm happy to report, we did it.  Dom took his first sitting under the same tree, using the same 870 as his dad and older brother.  

I'm not a emotional guy, but got to admit, I got a little choked up.   Have to think Mark and Adam had something to do with it. 

Here's the kicker, Adams daughter wants to hunt next yr. Unfortunately,  the property is changing hands, and I know this will be my final spring chasing turkeys on this property.  The new owners will be opening up some fancy Inn and restaurant with walking trails throughout.  

The lucky tree is in the background. 

Edited April 21, 2018 by mowin

[grampy]

What a beautiful story. Got a big ol' lump in my throat while reading it. No doubt in my mind, that there were some smiling faces from above. To go along with the smiling ones down here. You my friend, are the definition of the true hunter spirit. It really is all about making and keeping memories alive. My hat is off to the young hunters, past and present. And also to you sir. Congratulations! 

[philoshop]

Great story! Keep the memory alive, but find another tree somewhere and start a new tradition for the kids. And for their kids.

[Jdubs]

Damn, the wind must have blown some dust or sand into my eye.  Thanks for sharing that mowin.

[Jeremy K]

That's a great story and tribute.

[moog5050]

That’s is awesome. 

[mowin]

Thanks everyone... Very proud of the boys.  Can't wait to get them out bowhunting this fall. 

[Moho81]

What a story thanks for sharing!

I probably shouldn’t have been cutting those onions up while reading this.


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[rob-c]

That’s awesome, love these type of stories.getting misty eyed for your kids ,grandkids nieces or nephews etc .  doesn't make a mane weak, if anything it makes him more of a man.. 

Edited April 21, 2018 by rob-c

[Nomad]

You’re a good man .

[Swamp_bucks]

Thats a great memory to have.  Those kids will remember what you did for them forever.

[DirtTime]

Bittersweet story, some good memories for sure though. To bad the land is being sold off. 

[REDNECK4LIFE32]

Great story. Sad ending to not be able to hunt the same property again but it's a chance for new beginning and memories to be had. Good luck and great birds.

[Iluvracks1359]

Great story, just reading it almost got me to tears, but I am pretty emotional myself, lol. Anyways, that stinks you are losing the property, you'll have to find a new tree to make more memories  at