First Hunts

Their First Hunts
As a father, I had one shot at this. If you’re a parent you understand the putting aside of our own individual wants while focusing on efforts to construct a better present as well as lifelong memories, lessons and perhaps trajectories for our children.

It took planning, preparation, time oh that word, “time”, time out of chaotic lives, to equip my sons for their first hunts. Oh how I desired to cement a memory into their minds, a memory they could reflect on in difficult times, painful times, of which life is sure to bring. Their first hunts required years of firearms preparation and familiarity, a hunters education program, acquiring a rifle and scope, shooting their rifle with confident accuracy at distance, focus, stamina to pursue game in arduous terrain, among many internal strengths and commitment.

This season is the conclusion of obtaining the, “First Deer” for my youngest. Two years ago, my oldest took his, and has since proven himself a skilled hunter. It was a sigh of successful accomplishment to watch my youngest endure a long and difficult hunt his first day carrying a rifle to the field.

There is only one, “First Deer”, and the two hunts I shared with these young men, are the two greatest hunts, full of emotion and love, I will ever go on. There are no other “First Deer” hunts for me, until that day where perhaps I myself become a Nonno. Until then, this marks the conclusion of a major goal set as a father and hunter.