Hunting is an important part of surviving as a human. Subsistence hunting and gathering is part of a hunter’s DNA.
Can you remember your first hunt? My Dad took me rabbit and squirrel hunting as a kid. Under his supervision, we used arrows, bb guns and pellet rifles. On occasion, he would let me squeeze the trigger of a real firearm. The first time I shot his 348 Winchester Model 71, the recoil put me on my butt. I felt bad about killing my first small game but knew that we would use it to feed the family. When I was of age and proved responsible, at the age of 16, my Dad bought me my first 12 ga, Ithaca Model 37 pump shotgun. It is still my go to hunting gun.
Hunters evolve over a lifetime. We start off by shooting anything we can eat. The small game becomes bigger game. The backyard becomes large public lands. Maybe a few prime private access lands sprinkle in. Eventually, we have our favorite places and camps.
Hunting Buddies come and go throughout our life of hunting. Some still hang out while others can no longer hunt. Nagging wives, old age, health concerns, or mortality have thinned our hunting ranks. A new generation of hunters take over the camps, stands, and tools of the trade.
The extreme hunting we did and survived are the fodder for great stories. Adventures are a big part of why we hunt. The stories are often the best trophies.
The special landowners that allowed us to hunt on their land are also passing down the trail. The inheritors posted the property, built more homes and structures, or sold it. We used to help with their harvests, needs, or families. The privilege of hunting was always earned and respected.
My Dad tagged his last buck late into his 80’s. He still liked to go to camp but the spark of hunting had become too hard. Even with the best support, he chose to spend time closer to home. His routines and needs became the priority.
I have my father’s guns. His Weatherby 7mm 08 and Winchester Model 71 are mine to enjoy. My Dad’s old Model 12 shotgun was used by my son to tag a spring gobbler. I also have my own favorite guns that still hunt with me. Every gun, bow, call, and tool has a story.
We want to hunt more but going solo is a risk. Some areas have no cell phone signals. If we fall, we are alone. Retirement offers us more free time but our children and younger friends have to work.
I am still on the hunt for now. The end of my hunting is way closer than my beginning as a hunter. Maybe my final hunt will be discovered by someone else. Not a bad way to go out. Hopefully a big buck will be laying nearby.
Arthritis, back surgery, and a ruptured hamstring have slowed me over the past 3 years. Before age 67, I was bullet proof. Now I am trying to get back to be able to hunt at all. I love the creatures that I harvest. Killing a buck, bull, or bird becomes harder with every trigger pull. They still get used and enjoyed. Big racks and trophies have less meaning than before. Just being outdoors is reward enough. When or what will your last hunt be?
I haven’t had my final hunt but…
Montana Grant
