missing the Mountains!!

[Paul J.]

For the first time in 19 years i am not elk Huntin.
I have 3 boys at home(ages 5months, 2yrs, 6yrs)who need some of my attention after a busy year. I would
just feel guilty leaving them right now, but i really miss the mountains!!! All my buddys are huntin now and 3 have killed bulls. Hard to listen to their storys without a little jealousy!!

                                       Paul J.

[jmrsyrs]

I'm sure it's hard but you are doing the right thing. Your kids have to come first. You'll have plenty of time to get back to the mountains after their grown. You'll thank yourself in the long run. Maybe some local hunting would help a little?

[njloco]

Take care of them boys first, like said above, you'll have time to go elk hunt and them boys will want to go with their dad. Thank your lucky stars that you were able to go, I have to put it on my bucket list, but I did raise my boys with no regrets.

Good luck, and maybe we'll run into each other someday while we're both elk hunting.

[kahunter]

Yeah, I have never gotten out there because of the same thing.  I miss it without even doing it before!  The boys may not know it now, but they will thank you for it eventually.

[wetfeathers]

It's nice to hear you have you priorities in line Paul J.  No one ever says " I wish I spent less time with my family and more time hunting" when they're on their death bed.  You only get one chance to raise them.

[BrownA5]

Good for you... you are definitely doing the right thing!

[Jock Whisky]

Right decision Paul. You will not believe how fast they grow up. You will look around one day and say "what happened? Where did the time go?"
They are young now. Get them out in the woods as soon as possible hiking, fishing etc. and take 'em hunting locally when they are old enuf.

JW

[NBK]

Paul,
I'm hearing ya!  It was one year ago today that we were riding into the Zirkel Wilderness to chase elk.  Had every intention of going again this year, but my wife, God bless her, told me it's not the money spent, but the time away from home.  I have four little ones (ages 9, 6, 3 and my 2 year old son who recently broke his leg) and right now they need me more than I need an elk.  The way I see it, we put in our time and that's just more hunting partners in the future!

[Herdbull]

Paul its all about the ballance. Mike

[snag]

Good for you for doing the right thing! Besides those bulls will one year bigger next year.    

[JO_EZ]

I hear ya, buddy. I curtailed a lot of hunting when our kids were in the preschool stages. And some of my hunting friends less than understanding about my choices.

However, now the kids are 14, 11 and 7. Right at the beginning of hunting ages. So, now I just look at my wife, shrug my shoulders, and say "Gee, Honey, I HAVE to go hunting... it's for the kids". And all 3 of them enjoy coming out with me. I am not saying it is the same kind of fun as an elk camp, but when we are all out chasing rabbits with the bows, it doesn't get much better.

So, hang in there. As husbands and fathers we are called to happliy sacrifice for our families. It is not always easy, but if you cast your bread on the waters, it will return 10 fold.

[wtpops]

Don't worry, next thing you know them boys will be packing out the elk for you.

[deaddoc4444]

THE kids grow up WAY TOO FAST    each minute is precious !!   Soon enough  they will hunt with you and you can enjoy that even more .    
     YOUR in the right place at the right time  !!!!

[NEB]

There is no shame in missing a hunt.  I have not hunted like I want to for 10 years (my oldest is 10).  There is so much of a difference between a passion and a responsibility.  I respect you for making a decision to stay home.  Your wife and kids will appreciate it some day.  Besides, I have never been elk hunting and I get to experience all kinds of hunts on this great site.

[Geezer]

There'll always be mountains!!

Funny, but I have all the time in the world to climb mountains now that my boys are grown and gone...but I can't see doing it without them.  Sure do miss them.

There'll always be mountains...but they'll be children for a very short time - stay home and enjoy them NOW.

[Roadkill]

My son now takes me hunting.  Yours will too!  Every season has a time and your parenting obligation is now.  One of them will repay you when you need a partner.
My best days hunting ever are with my now grown son.  
You time is well invested.  I applaud you, Sir!

[wooddamon1]

Nothing to add here, some great advice...