I grew up in a hunting family. While my dad use to go out every year with my brother, and I can recall tagging along and hauling around a bb gun on one particular trip, I don't think my sisters and I ever had any real interest in carrying on the hunting tradition.
That said, because of the huge generosity (of time and supplies) from a wonderful family friend, 3 of our kids got to experience hunting for the first time. Not only was this a great opportunity to learn gun safety, but also a valuable time to be out in nature, and to learn the importance of respecting and valuing our resources and the bounty this earth has to offer us if we approach it with care and gratitude.
Starting Hunter's Safety class!
Mae and James getting in some practice.
And of course Brookerhood.
The great guys (including Mr. Dean Bennion himself!!) helping our kids to learn gun and hunter's safety.
Kev and the kiddos with their official Hunters Ed. completion certificates.
And finally ... time to venture out.
Mae and Brooks' trip was first!!
They had a fun time (in the beginning at least) keeping an eye out for deer.
And driving around trying to find one.
But ultimately, this was not their day for a hunt.
They did, however, chase after a few grouse, and pick a couple of bags of Cantrell Mushrooms.
And did some napping in the truck:).
And then it was James' turn!!
His luck was a bit different.
It did take a couple of hours before they spotted anything, and then it took Dean's experienced eyes to find what they were looking for, but ultimately James did get to use his newfound skills and bring home his first deer.
James with his mentor:).
And enjoying his success with Dad and Brooks!
I think James, and all of the kids really, learned how much time, effort, and patience go into bringing home meat that you've found and hunted yourself. After a very long day of hunting (mostly driving around and waiting), the work was not over. It took late into the night for James to finish (with Dean and Kevin) cleaning and preparing the deer for consumption.
It was pretty rewarding for him (and pretty yummy for all of us) once we finally enjoyed deer for dinner!!
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