A 100 Year Old Man

[Bud B.]

Originally posted by elkken:
I don't think you let old warriors walk out of sorrow, you let them walk out of respect  ......        

Wise words. And I agree. Well done Barry.

[jonsimoneau]

That was quite a story. I think you made the right decision. It's not like you really have a lot of time to make a decision when a whitetail is nearing your ambush.  I wonder if a really old buck like that participates in the rut. I'm guessing probably not. He would likely not be able to compete with younger bucks in their  prime. Honestly aside from all the hunters it's amazing a buck like that could survive the ever increasing coyotes. Again very cool story.

[Izzy]

With this flu Ive got, I feel just like that old buck. I really want to see a pic because there are more tigers in the New York woods than there are bucks that old, at least where I usually hunt.

[Preston Lay]

Outstanding Barry! Another example of why you and Gene represent bowhunting as it was meant to be. True to the words of "Professional bowhunters". I admire your decision and hopefully the old boy will lay down and go out in his sleep having taking absolutely all life had to give him. What more could any of us hope for.

[LookMomNoSights]

Thanks for that Barry.....Thanks for everything  

[Sean B]

One old buck respecting another! Pretty powerful.  that was a great one Barry, thanks for shareing your thoughts.

[Bonebuster]

The amazing whitetail...ultimately, it`s getting close to them we strive for because they are so great!

Thanks for sharing!

[Caleb Andes]

Wow.. that was intense. That must have been one amazing deer to survive on the Wenzel farm for so many years. This is by far the best thread I have read on here in a long long time.

When you were talking about how many times he has watched you when you have only seen him once it really makes you wonder if he was giving himself up to you..

What a story told by a TRUE sportsman. Congrats on making the right decision.

[wixwood]

That brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye, both at the same time.

I hang out with folks like this........makes me proud.

"If I have to explain, you will never understand" pretty much covers it.

[Butchie]

  Those are the kind of encounters we never forget!

[Doc Nock]

Wet eyes and funny feeling in the back of my throat reading Barry's tale and your replies, folks.

RRock's comments touched a nerve, too...but our wild friends we pursue are not our family nor or pets.  We take responsibility for those with whom we live and care for, be they an animal friend, or an aged family member. Like Rock, I think back to watching my father dwindle daily for over 2 years in a nursing home, that wasn't. I had no more control and wouldn't choose to have. That was and remained in God's hands.

But a wild animal, that has eluded all by his wits for so long, outlived, out shone all around him... In the moment, I do not know what I might do. Emotions are tricky and ephemeral.

I DO admire Barry's choice for the reasons he did so.  They are admirable and defensible.

But as I age, stiffen, worry about Medicare and supplemental insurance and have a harder time in the past 12 months to get up and move, such reflections give me great pause...

But I'd rather live out my time, my own way, and make what adjustments I must, then to have someone choose my fate for me.

Alas, hat off to you, Barry, (and heart in my throat) for acknowledging an old warrior and saluting him for his time and space on Earth.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Thank you. This is possibly the best hunting story I have ever read.

[mtnwalker]

a true hunter's heart, thanks.very insightful!

[Ed Q]

Looking forward to seeing that video you took of him.

[MCS]

Wow. You made me feel like I was there. Thank you.

[Dave Thaxton]

A great piece on an old warrior and those that pursue them...Well Done Friend, Well Done  

[gregg dudley]

Originally posted by Stumpkiller:


Granted, nature has no kind retirement plan for the elderly and infirm, but that day it wasn't going to be me and it wasn't going to be him.

I was trying to figure out what I would have done while reading Barry's post.  I certainly respect his decision.  I know that I would struggle with the choice if given the same circumstances.   I think that a heartfelt decision could have been made either way.  Nature is indeed cruel to the weak, but I do like that Stumpkiller.

[Tique]

Let me ask: if he had "trophy" head gear would you all let him pass?? Just askin.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Originally posted by Tique:
Let me ask: if he had "trophy" head gear would you all let him pass?? Just askin.

I would have to get back to you after given the situation. I tend to think if the Situation were different, the outcome would be different.

I also know I wouldn't let half the bucks pass that some folks here do.

To answer your question:  Yes/NO/Maybe!

[customcrester]

I know that feeling Barry and i believe you did the right thing. Good for you! He deserves to live out the rest of his life, he has earned that right!