Scene from last year’s jump!

In Wired Outdoors fashion, when we get involved in something we are all in!  So we will be filming this event and we will be taking the plunge with many of our Wired Outdoors fans!  So all you Wired Outdoors fans, band together and we are asking you to join us and have a great time for a great cause as we take the plunge into the Allegheny River in Parker, Pennsylvania.

• Event: 4th Annual Parker Polar Bear Plunge – “Freezin’ For A Reason!”
• When: January 1, 2010
  Registration 11:00am-1:30pm
  Safety meeting, at 1:45pm
  Plunge at 2:00pm
• Where: Parker City Boat Launch (311 North River Avenue, Parker, PA 16049)
• Who: Parker Polar Bear Club
• Why: Benefits Hunt of A Lifetime and Parker Parks and Recreation
• Cost: $10 registration fee (free t-shirt to all participants)

Additional Information:

• $50 prize for “Most Unique Plunging Attire”
• Chinese auction for items donated by local business.
• 50/50 raffle.

While the cost is only $10 a person, we are encouraging folks to go out there and get sponsors and help us raise as much as possible for our kids who we will be sending on their “Hunt of A Lifetime”.  Questions or comments should be directed to Tony Davenport at 724.659.5114 and we look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Cost
$32.49 online

Product features

• Patented, precision-engineered, multi-angle flip-over knife clamp
• Sharpening hones on color-coated, finger-grooved safety holders
• One guide rod for each honing stone
• Specially formulated honing oil
• Extra long knife clamp screws
• Custom molded storage/carrying case to hold all system components
• Complete easy-to-follow multi-lingual instructions

Lansky sharpening angles

• 17 degree – A severe angle recommended for razor blades, X-Acto blades, scalpels or similar tools.  Provides an extremely sharp but delicate edge.
• 20 degree – A commonly used angle for higher quality blades and provides an excellent edge for kitchen cutlery and filet knives
• 25 degree – The recommended angle for most knives that need a durable, sharp edge.  Ideal for hunting and outdoor knives
• 30 degree – An outstanding angle for knives that see the heavy use of cutting cardboard, wire or carpets.  Recommended for heavy duty use.

Personal Assessment of product

Until coming across the Lansky Sharpening System, I was never able to put a sharp durable edge on my knives.  I’ve tried whetstones and though I could put a serviceable edge on my knife, it was never truly sharp.  I had friends, and family who were willing to sharpen my knives for me, but I was always bothered by not being able to do it myself.  I came across the Lansky Sharpening System from a co-worker.  He was telling me about his knife sharpening kit and offered to let me try one of my knives on it.  After receiving the kit and a few instructions from my friend, I gave it a shot.  I took the system home that evening and brought my dull hunting knife to a razor sharp edge on my first try.  This was the first time I was able to get a truly sharp edge on my hunting knife.  I was amazed at how easy this system was to use and purchased a Lansky that night.  After receiving my system in the mail, I had all my hunting knives honed and ready for the upcoming hunting season.  The great thing about this sharpening system is that it takes the “art” out of sharpening knives.  Just put your knife in the clamp, decide what angle you want on your blade, attach the rods to the hones, and use the slots built into the clamp to bring you knife to a razor sharp finish.  Though I already had an idea how to use the sharpening kit, the instructions were thorough and easy to follow.

Product Limitations

There are only a couple of things I could mention as “limitations” when using the Lansky Knife Sharpening Systems.  This system is used by running a hone over the knife as the fixed surface, as compared to running a knife over a whetstone as the fixed surface.  A little more care is needed when using the Lansky Sharpening System. The same friend, who introduced me to this kit, also cut himself bad when the hone slipped off the blade and ran his finger into the knife edge.  This is completely avoidable ,and the system is safe to use, but always use care when dealing with knives.  Also when doing large knives (above 6-7 inches) it is recommended to do ½ of the knife at a time.  When trying to sharpen the whole knife at once, the angle changes too much and the rods might not be long enough.  I have done our chef’s kitchen knife ½ at a time, and though it took a little longer, the end result was great.

Recommendation

The Lansky Sharpening System is easy to use and has brought out razor sharp edges on knives I have never been able to get sharp before.  The process of sharpening my knives before owning the Lansky Sharpening System had been frustrating and often times impossible.  After using this system, I believe this product would work great in any outdoorsmen’s home.

A journey to Pike County Illinois. World record bucks, monster long beards, waterfowl, morel mushrooms and Carter’s Trophy Hunting Lodge!

Teresa and I drove all night and arrived in a little town of Milton, Illinois.  I pulled off the road and questioned a gentleman at the Post Office in an attempt to locate a gas station and of course a place to graze.  The gentleman kindly smiled and pointed directly behind the vehicle and stated, “Well Dink’s Diner is the only place to eat in this town and the gas station across the street is open but not manned.”  I thanked him and proceeded to the gas station.

To my surprise it is an UNMANNED gas station with no human beings present. The sign reads, “24 HOUR SERVICE,SWIPE YOUR CARD. IF NO PRESSURE , WAIT 30 SECONDS FOR THE PRESSURE TO BUILD UP AND PROCEED.”  Talk about small town America.  Population 300 SALUTE!  After a few laughs we ventured about 10miles up the road to Pittsfield in hopes to find more resourceful accommodations.  Little did we know, eating at Dink’s Diner is like eating Mama’s home cooking after over indulging there on a couple of occasions.

Pittsfield, Illinois is also home of Jeff Foiles Inc., and the Archery Shop. The only bow shop within 50 miles.  After talking to a few of the patrons, this is the place to go for personal care of your bow and friendly staff!

Once we fueled up and found a place to eat we headed to Carter’s Trophy Lodge where we were greeted by Nathan Carter.

Once inside, I managed to pick my chin up off the floor and wipe the drool from my lip in astonishment of all the trophy mounts adorned on the walls.  Nathan conducted a short safety briefing while checking Teresa’s license. Some casual conversation and we were escorted to our humble abode.

Once unloading all our gear we returned to the Lodge and met some of the hunters, our Guides Eddie and Randy.

Talk about resourceful, 8000+ acres owned or leased, 250 double hung stands, bow hunting only for MINIMUM 140 class whitetails. Escorted to the stand site strategically placed due to wind direction, food source and whitetail movement.   A cameraman’s dream…double hung stands at every location to acquire the over the shoulder shot when presented.

Free range whitetails that are given an opportunity to mature only means one thing, MONSTER BUCKS!  For you as the hunter, a chance to harvest a buck of a lifetime.

The first night in camp we took a ride with Randy to check out the property. Hopefully get some footage of bucks and/or buck activity. The deer trails look like cattle paths, fence posts and cedar trees are shredded and the bucks are chasing does. Shortly after admiring a few rubs we rounded the corner to encounter a buck tending a doe.  An act of nature that most hunters never see in a lifetime of being afield. We were able to capture this act int he first hour with Carter’s Hunting Lodge.  To a bow hunter this means the rut is near. Enabling multiple sightings of mature bucks and the ability for the hunter to prey on mother natures weakness of such an elusive animal.  The desire to reproduce, forcing the most nocturnal animal to be seen within the guidelines of legal shooting hours.  Making dreams come true.

With the camera in hand I attempt to capture the beauty and fruit of Dale Carter’s labor as he enables others to enjoy his passion and embrace their innermost desire.  The thrill of a whitetail abound on the forest floor as one attempts to put a well placed shot with his or her bow on a buck of a lifetime.  Stimulating an endorphin dump that over-rides the brain’s ability to remain calm and in control. Stabilizing a tiny pin on a minuet hair in hopes of silencing the pulsating heartbeat in ones head. Better known as BUCK FEVER!  I call it heaven on Earth!

Everyday at camp the rut activity was getting more intense.  A minimum of six bucks sighted up to eleven on our most active day.  The Guides told us if you were here when the rut goes into full swing, peak rut…it is off the hook with buck sightings.  Being from Pennsylvania hunting State Game Lands, eleven bucks in one day is virtually unheard of.   I couldn’t imagine being suspended above the forest floor when the peak rut kicked off at Carter’s Hunting Lodge!

Most hunters I talk to that have taken a hunting trip have complained of not seeing doe and very few bucks.  This was not the case.  We saw plenty of doe and when you saw one running you could bet one thing. There was a buck in pursuit, grunting and growling behind her.

If you are looking for a hunt of a lifetime. I would sincerely recommend Carter’s hunting Lodge. Where not only could you shoot a buck of a lifetime, you will encounter a laid back friendly attitude an exemplified personal care from Dale Carter and his staff. It will make you want to take a road trip just to bring you back to the grass roots of our magnificent sport and those family traditions of camaraderie and fellowship in deer camp.

See Carter’s Hunting Lodge crew at the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show and book your hunt of a lifetime!

I would also like to tell everyone a very special story that happened to us a few days ago at the Clarion County Youth Field Day banquet.  Each year, Randy Culberson of Sportsman Outfitters and one of the organizers of the Clarion County Youth Field Day invites us to the annual event.  Initially I was not going to be able to attend the event due to a scheduled hunt that we were filming.  A phone call from the guide earlier in the week said he wanted to hold off that the birds just weren’t here yet.  So a phone call later and I was off to Clarion County for the banquet.

Our buddy Sawyer – He is WIRED!

Some More Wired Fans!

At the banquet each year, Kyle Schwabenbauer, Co-Host Wired Outdoors, presents the highlight Youth Field Day video to all the guests.  This year, Randy asked if we could also show our Hunt of A Lifetime videos that we did the past year.  Once Kyle was done showing the highlight video I would be showing the Arianna video and Michael Ciarlone clip. (You can see both those videos at the bottom of this story)  Before showing the videos Randy informed me that since we weren’t quite ready to begin our fund raising for this year’s Hunt of A Lifetime kids, he had come up with an idea just hours before.  He purchased a small Christmas tree about three feet high and hung lottery tickets and a couple of gift certificates on the tree for decorations. He informed me that he was going to sell raffle tickets for the tree and donate all the money for our “Hunt Of A Lifetime” kids.  I was very thankful and expressed my gratitude because any money we can raise is always appreciated it, but really didn’t know what to expect.

Amy Shoup from Strattanville, PA won the Hunt of a Lifetime raffle. It was a live Christmas tree filled with lottery tickets, $100 gift cert, $50 savings bond and a Traditions muzzleloader. Congrats Amy!!

After showing the Arianna video and the Michael Ciarlone clips there were a lot of folks who I could tell were really touched by our work.  Shortly after the presentation, I had to get on the road as I had a 4 hour car ride and had to be at the airport the following morning to fly out to Illinois.  About an hour down the road, I get a text from Kyle saying, “An anonymous donor just said they would match any money raised for the Hunt of A Lifetime kids.” About another hour down the road I get a call from Kyle saying, “How much money do you think they just raised for our kids?”, I replied, “I have no idea, maybe $500?”  Kyle said, “Try $3600.00!”  I was floored.  There are not many times in my life where I don’t have something to say, I was truly speechless.  In a year, when the economy is so bad to have folks open their hearts and wallets like that was truly humbling.

Clarion County Sportsmen for Youth raised over $3600 for Hunt of a Lifetime in less than two hours at their banquet. CCSFY President, Eric Black, presents Kyle with the money!! Thanks guys for everything!!!

I have so many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and they just keep rolling in.  I would like to thank all the folks from the banquet who purchased tickets, to the anonymous donor, Randy Culberson and all the CCSFY committee members and the list goes on. Thank you again, I can’t say it enough and I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!!

For those who haven’t seen the Arianna video and Michael Ciarlone clip, you can click on the videos below.  They both will make you truly thankful for all you have.

This archery season has been a big change for me in many ways.  My 5 year old is now in school and getting him on and off the bus was going to cut my hunting time in half.   I wouldn’t change it for the world, and thoroughly enjoy seeing him off and picking him up from the bus, but it was a change that took some getting used to.  Also through the first 3 weeks of season, I had yet to hunt with my cousin Jason.  In the past, we would usually get together for at least a couple of hunts a week, but with our busy schedules, last week was the first opportunity we would get to hunt together.  Obviously, I was excited to get 4 hunts in a row, hunting 3 of them with my cousin.

My first 3 hunts were uneventful.  No deer were seen by either Jason or me, but after our morning hunt on Wednesday, we found an extremely promising spot for our evening hunt.  In the morning, Jason was hunting a block of woods which led him along the back side of a cornfield.  I was hunting across the road and received a text at the end of the morning hunt to meet him at the cornfield.  I met up with Jason after the morning hunt and quickly realized he was extremely excited about his morning.  Jason had to walk along the edge of a cornfield to get to his stand, and said he jumped several deer going back in.  His exact words were “deer were everywhere”.  After talking a little about the morning, we went along the backside of the cornfield and found more deer sign than I had seen all year including several rubs and scrapes along the tree line.  We cleared a couple of lanes and hung our climbers back in the woods in sight of each corner of the cornfield.  I know after leaving we were both extremely confident, and excited for our evening hunt.

Last Wednesday (Oct 21st) was extremely warm and sunny, which from my experience isn’t good for deer movement.  We were excited about the spot we were hunting, but weren’t overly thrilled about the weather.  Our hopes were still high as we entered our climbing tree stands that afternoon.  We were settled by 3:30 and I had begun seeing deer roughly ½ hour into the hunt.  From about four o’clock on, I was either watching or listening to deer in the cornfield in front of me.  Even though, to this point I had seen no bucks, I was enjoying all the action.  At about 5:30 I was watching a button buck and a doe in front of me feeding, when I heard a loud “crash” behind me.  I turned in time to see a nice eight point scatter a bunch of deer.  As soon as I saw the buck, my focus was entirely on him, so I can’t honestly tell you what the other deer did, but he was standing alone behind me at 40 yards.  I quickly confirmed that the doe and button buck were still on the other side of me.  I was right in between a nice buck that had been chasing deer and a doe on the exact opposite side of me 15 yards away.  I remember thinking as the buck saw the doe “this is too good to be true”.  The buck then began a stiff legged walk toward the doe, but also toward a shooting lane I had cleared out earlier that day.  As he hit my shooting lane 18 yards away, I drew and gave a bleat with my mouth.  He stopped broadside, and as he did, I settled the pin behind his shoulder.  At the shot, the Lumenok showed the shot was true and that this should be a fairly easy recovery.

This buck seemed to have read the script on how this evening should go for me up to this point.  At the hit, the buck took 2 jumps and walked to the corner of the cornfield.  He stood for a few seconds, then laid down and rolled his side immediately.  When he went to his side on the ground and was still, I felt the hunt was over.  I needed to sit down (post shot shakes), and hung my bow on my bow hanger.  As I hung the bow on the hook, a deer behind me snorted.  I turned to look at the snorting deer and caught movement out of the corner of my eye.  My buck was back on his feet limping across the road back into the woods.  All of this transpired in less than a minute, but my elation at a nice buck on the ground less than 30 yards from me, turned into confusion and worry.  I figured I would give the buck until quitting time, to let Jason finish out his hunt and give the buck time to expire.  As light faded, I decided to get down and take the grass road to Jason’s stand which was less than 75 yards away from me.  After discussing options, we decided to quietly recover the arrow and go to the corner of the cornfield where the buck first laid down.  I retrieved my arrow and found bright red blood from tip to nock.  As we approached the area where the buck laid down we found 2 large pools of blood with a nice blood trail going back towards the woods.  We marked the trail and decided to go back and get lights and give him some more time.

Heavy blood trail

After about 1 hr, we picked up my uncle for help and the 3 of us went back to try to recover my buck.  We went to the mark we placed on the trail, and immediately realized this wasn’t going to be a hard tracking job.  The blood on the trail was dense and easy to follow but he went much further than I figured he would.  After about 100 yards from where he first went down, we found him lying against a fallen log expired.  The recovery was pretty straight forward, but I am amazed at the will this animal had to keep going.

Photo after recovery

Archery season this year has again provided with yet another great memory of the PA outdoors.  It is definitely my favorite time to be in the woods, spending time with friends and family.

Jason & I very happy after a great night on stand

Uncle and cousin after recovery (thanks for the help guys)

Nathan (son), Ron (father), and myself

With more and more hunting pressure, geese are being educated faster and are less likely to work your spread. As a waterfowler one is always attempting to put more birds in the shot path of our decoy spreads and defining the X.

I have found that Larry Juhl’s “the Goose Tree” does just that. The goose tree defines the X and enables the waterfowl hunter to use less decoys.  The simulated landing of geese allows incoming birds to honor the landing birds ahead and lock on the X.  The birds are focused on the X and birds ahead and not on your location in the blind. Thus giving the hunter a better opportunity to be successful.

I along with fellow Field Staffers, Don Ott, Eddie Wise and Bob Miller had the privilege to hunt with the Owner and Creator of the Goose Tree, Mr. Larry Juhl in Wisconsin and saw The Goose Tree first hand in action.  Needless to say the way the birds worked with this decoy system was amazing. At one point it was the ONLY decoy left standing in the field after shooting hours and the birds circled and kept trying to land behind it.  It was totally amazing. We put the Goose Tree to use back here in Pennsylvania and it pulled birds from a large flock right into our gun barrels. Does it work, I can safely say YES!

The Goose Tree took only minutes to put up, was quick and simple. Not to mention your setup time was cut down due to using less decoys in your spread.

I would highly recommend The Goose Tree to anyone who wants to get an advantage on weary decoy shy birds, or if a hunter is looking to add a different look to their spread.  This is a great alternative!

I won’t be redundant in the thanks to everyone involved with the September 19, 2009 3-D Benefit shoot. But as we know if it weren’t for those people that see the good in all people and the importance of God in our daily lives the world we live would be in worse condition.   Without our sponsors and those of you who want to make a difference none of this would of been possible.

The preparation for the day was very time consuming. Once you see the outcome and the day comes to an end you can feel the relief and sensation of a task well done.

Once again there were many firsts as are with the great outdoors we all cherish so much.  New friends, old acquaintances, first time shooters, young and old combating the same passion united as one, and smiles that will last a lifetime.  Being blessed with the presence of Tina Pattison, Hunt of a Lifetime Founder, Arianna Evans one of our Hunt of a Lifetime children. Allowing the unknown person to experience the wow factor.

As I listened to so many people comment about the day and ask how to “Get WIRED”.  They are pumped and now hopefully they ARE “WIRED”.

To those that weren’t able to attend you can still be apart of our wonderful family. Get involved, get “WIRED”, and continue your support.  Thank you all for your kindness.

Take time to take a friend, loved one or a first timer and introduce them to our wonderful sport.

Above, Pat Gonsman, United Bow Hunters of PA

Sportsman Portal Field Staff, (from left to right), Don Ott, Teresa Patterson, Kyle Schwabenbauer and Andy Traister with Arianna Evans in the center. Arianna was presented with a plaque made by Joanie Haidel, Joanie’s Beard Busting Calls.

Buying raffle tickets for prizes.

The “running deer crew”, Jimmy Patterson (Teresa’s son) and his good friend Nick Eberhardt.

Rex Fahr (right) Teresa’s dad organized the 3-D shoot, and Brenda Martz, President of the Loop Sportsman Club.

Tina Pattison’s son, Jaimie and his daughter shooting her bow.

The running deer target group effort

Arianna driving her chariot.

Wendy and Mark Blystone some of our “Wired Fans” from Facebook and My Space came out to join us for the shoot that day.

Rex, Jr. (Teresa’s brother) and his wife, Larissa Fahr enjoy the concession.

Thanks to all our sponsors.

Jimmy Young and crew came out to support the cause.

Is he milking that deer???

East Coast Archery Manager talking with John Ott.

The “gut gang”

Tanner enjoying the ride.

Ben Fahr (Teresa’s brother) and John Lubert out for the shoot.

Nice Sportsman Portal fan truck!

Cost
M100 Hang on Tree Stand with Receiver Mount $219.95
M102 Receiver Mount $28.95 (included with the M100 stand)

M200 20’ stick ladder $69.95
Product features
Durable Powder Coat
Comfortable quiet easy setup
All aluminum construction
Seat folds against tree
Stand folds flat for backpacking
TMA certified full body harness included
Lifetime warranty

Product Specs
Capacity – 300lbs
Weight – 14lbs
Platform size W20” D38”
Seat Size W20” D17”

Personal Assessment of product
The most important thing to me when hunting from a hang on stand is comfort.  I believe, when spending long hours in a stand, comfort keeps me sharp when the moment of opportunity arrives.  The Millennium M100 is the most comfortable stand I’ve ever hunted. The comfort Tech Seat is made of Textline non-stretch fabric, which does not absorb water, and is quiet to the touch.
Another feature important to me is the weight and portability of a hang on stand.  The Millennium M100 only weighs 14 lbs. It has built in shoulder straps, and the ability to fold completely flat. This stand is a breeze to pack in, even on long trips.  The Millennium M100 stand attaches to the tree in a completely different manner than any other stand I’ve used.  From start to finish it took me less than 10 minutes using the Millennium M200 stick ladder and the M100 stand.  First, I hung the climbing sticks.  I then attached the receiver (shown in the picture above) to the tree by the chain included.  Then it was just a matter of sliding the male fitting on the stand into the quick mount receiver, and the stand was ready to hunt.  Another benefit to this system is that you can increase the value by purchasing and hanging several receiver mounts  in different areas.  Carry the stand with you and slide the stand into the receiver in place and hunt.  This allows you the mobility to hunt different areas with just one stand. The stand literally slides into the quick mount in seconds.

Recommendation
The ability to hunt several locations with the same fixed position stand is a great benefit and makes the Millennium M100 an incredible value.  I have never experienced the level of comfort and portability this stand provides and would recommend you to give it a try.

Here are the final numbers and winners of the 2009 Medalist Whitetail contest. Congrats to everyone on some great PA deer and thanks for playing!!

Team 1 – 56 points (WINNERS)
Bowhunter 92 & Jake

Team 2 – 50 points
Wildgoosechase & Bowhunter07

Team 3 – 54 points
HomerJ & Hunt&FishPA

Team 4 – 44 points
GTBullet & Beardbuster

Team 5 – 32 points
4Season & Spike

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After having 4 girls born in to our family and not very interested in hunting it was a shock, and the beginning of a dream when our son was born. In April of 1990, it all started. I had just bought a new Winchester model 1300 Wild Turkey Federation shotgun and was looking forward to using it and getting my first long beard.

That morning it was raining but that was not going to stop me. As I headed up the mountain I kept thinking about what might be in store for me this day. I think all turkey hunters dream of that big long beard strutting his way toward our calls. без ебут смс онлайн большой порно

After only a few minutes with my back against an old tree, I heard the sound all turkey hunters love to hear, a loud gobble. After a few calls on my mouth call, in came the gobbler. After walking to about 20 yards he stood there it seemed just waiting for me to shoot. As I ran to the bird, there it was, finally a long beard. He was 19 pounds with a 9-inch beard. I was so excited. As I was walking out of the woods I came across another hunter. He came over and congratulated me. I told him it was my first long beard and first turkey with this gun and I even got my first son just a few weeks ago. My statement to him may have seemed strange but to me it was something special.

Now this was my dream, to someday see another long beard taken, but this time by my son. As he grew I would share with him stories about hunting. We would lie on the floor in our den and say, tell me another story, and of course I would. But I longed for the time he would be old enough to get a license and hunt with me. Other long beards were to be mine in the following years but in the back of my mind was the day my son would be old enough to hunt turkey’s with me. Finally, April 9, 2002, my son Mark turned 12. After completing the Hunter Safety course we went to the hardware store and bought his first license. Only a few days were left until the opening day of Spring Gobbler season. ворошиловский стрелок изнасилования

That morning finally arrived. As we drove to our hunting spot my mind went back 12 years ago when this moment was but a mere dream. After getting our gear together, we paused outside of our truck to thank the Lord for this special time together. We walked up the steep trail stopping every so often just listening for a gobble. After a couple of hours nothing was heard and we decided to move up to the next hollow. After a few calls, we heard what we had been waiting for. Not one but two gobblers answering our calls. I whispered to my son, if they both come in, you take the one on the left and I will take the one on the right. Only a few minutes went by until 2 big long beards appeared. My son followed his bird with his gun as I followed mine. I had told him I would not shoot until he does. The birds kept walking and I could not understand why he would not shoot. I slightly turned my head toward him and said “shoot”, and he whispered, “Limb in the way” and before I could get my head back on my gun, BANG, went his Mossberg 20 gauge. My bird was on the way out of there but flopping on the ground out in front of us was my son’s first gobbler. I will never forget hearing him shout, “I got him, Dad, I got him.”

We both walked down to the gobbler and began to inspect the beautiful bird, noticing all the colors of his head and feathers. He was a nice gobbler with a beard of 9 inches, 1-inch spurs and weighing 18 pounds. My son gave me a hug and said “Thanks, Dad, for taking me turkey hunting”. We stood there and bowed our heads and thanked the Lord for this special time. I was not to get a turkey that day, but I think I was happier that day than I was the day I got my first long beard.

As I walked back to the truck with my son and his gobbler over his shoulder, I thought back to that day 12 years earlier and said, “My dream came true.” I don’t know but maybe in his dreams is the thought, someday I will take my son turkey hunting too. Why, the Lord willing, maybe I will be along for that hunt too.