Allan,
I lost my son last year just after Thanksgiving, they found him December 11 (it was 3 months before we had a cause of death). We buried him the day after my birthday and a week before Christmas. The rest of my hunting season (ended January 31), I went out, but didn't really hunt. Some days I'd stay till dark, some days I'd leave about sunset, some days I just wouldn't bother. My heart wasn't in it. But being in the woods was relaxing and comforting. I could think, cry, or reminisce-I did all three. I also had conversations with him, chewed him out for chosing his lifestyle, apologized for my failures as a father, even told him that I missed him and loved him. I got to say and feel things when I was alone that I couldn't, or maybe wouldn't, express to others. Being in the woods, doing something I loved, helped me deal with my grief. Please don't close your family and dear friends out, you need their support, but don't forget how calming and relaxing time in the woods can be.
Hang in there, it does and will get better.
Phil Carpenter