It’s been a great bow season for our family and
Traditional Spirit Outdoors .
On October 2, we welcomed a newborn daughter, Leela, into our family, so it’s been an exciting (and sleepless) fall!
With the freezer full of venison by early November, I didn’t think it could get any better, but it did!
I was fortunate enough to hang my tag on a very fine buck, especially for the mountain ground that I hunt in upstate New York.
The whole experience was made even more special by a boy and a bow.
First and foremost is the boy. My son Rex was there to lead the tracking and recovery effort. At not yet 3 years old, this was already Rex’s second track and he did a great job. I’m amazed at what even very young children can learn if you give them experiences and the chance to prove themselves. He saw blood that my old eyes missed and when spotting the downed buck up ahead, showed a youthful excitement that would plaster a smile on any Dad’s face.
Next is the bow. The splendid old recurve is a 1966 Kodiak--the two of us are kin in that we share the same birth year. Between myself and the bow, we have exactly 100 years experience on this Earth. The old girl started out as a 55 pound factory camo version, but I reduced her by 5 pounds, added new decals, and restored her with hand-rubbed coats of finish…now if only I could lose 5 pounds and get “restored.”
Finally, more to be thankful for. My book, A Traditional Bowhunter’s Path: Lessons and Adventures at Full Draw is selling well and getting great reviews
Traditional Path Reviews .
Many thanks to all who have purchased my book and sent such great comments.
The boy, the bow, and the buck will give me even more to write about.