To all...

Thanks for the kind words; coming from peers I hold in high esteem.



I think Jake will remember it for the rest of his life and, for me, this was a remarkable experience; I dreamt about the possibility of this trip the day he was born. I am not sure he is driven to hunting and fishing like I was at his age... I know he enjoys it though. I hoped for a hunting partner but I wanted it to be his choice, not mine. So, in that respect I am lucky to share what I have learned with him.


As far as gutting goes... he was helpful and didn't mind getting his hands dirty. He wasn't squeamish at all and he played with the heart and lungs. It was an opportunity for an anatomy lesson. He was responsible for exactly half the boning and trimming process- we divided the quarters and stood side by side for a couple hours. He was good company, calm and thoughtful, I imagine he will be a good worker someday.


I dropped his buck off at the taxidermist yesterday. I tried to talk Jake into a shoulder mount but he has his heart set on a European skull mount. I think he is making a mistake but oh well.


Now he is back in school and with his mom. I was up until midnight last night grinding hamburger alone and while I don't miss the EX at all, when it comes to the kids, I wish things were different.