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Thread: Bittersweet

  1. #1
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    Default Bittersweet

    My grandfather passed away two years ago next week. He and I were very close and shared a love for his farm and the outdoors. I was lucky enough to spend one last week with him about a month before he died. His passing took a piece of me and I could not bring myself to return for the funeral. I decided to go back this fall and visit the gravesite for the first time and to try an kill a deer off of his cattle farm in southwest Missouri. I had opportunities to go on "bigger, better, and badder" deer hunts, but this trip was really pulling me to it.

    Got there on the Friday before rifle season opened on Saturday. First stop was by the cemetery to spend some time with the man who taught me so much. Afterwards, I went to the farm for a quick scouting trip Friday evening. Saw a buck tending a doe in a thicket and could tell he might be a shooter, but couldn't get a full look at him. Hunted a different spot Sat AM and then slid in around lunch to set up a ground blind. Figured he would be in the same area still tending or starting his search for another doe.

    Talked to my Aunt mid day and she told me how cool she thought it was that I was out there hunting his place and even if it wasn't as good of hunting as I wanted she hoped I would kill something. After that conversation, I knew something was gonna die. My Grandfather was quite the character and was raised in a much different time. His motto was always "I don't cull anything" and after talking to the guy handling the cattle, I knew if that buck showed himself again it would be the last time.

    Slid in the blind about 230 and there was something especially peaceful and settling about the hunt. About 415 I saw the doe in a clearing about 230 yards away and 30 seconds later here he came. I never question whether he was the deer or not, I knew this one was for Grandad. He stopped to check a scrape and I let the 300wm eat at 218 yards. He ran about 20 yards and ate dirt.

    This was an experience I will never forget. From the time spent after the kill talking with Grandad and the Good Lord above, to the brown liquor drink we shared sitting on the ground next to the kill, I wouldn't trade any of it for a 200" buck. Closure comes in all ways, shapes, and forms and is attained differently for everyone. This is my closure and I can say I am now at peace with losing someone who meant so much to me. I know Grandad was smiling down on that one, the experiences we have in the outdoors are what make the memories, not the numbers and/or the score.

    9pt Dressed out 171lbs
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    Quote Originally Posted by trkykilr View Post
    A man learns a lot about himself in a thicket with a big hog. That dog already knows all he needs to know about himself.

  2. #2
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    Hell yeah.

    Good killin'.
    "Freedom Isn't Free"
    _Spc. Thomas Caughman
    1983-2004

    Quote Originally Posted by Dook View Post
    Go tigers!

  3. #3
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    I enjoyed that. Great job!

  4. #4
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    Awesome.
    The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is,
    as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

    Thomas Jefferson

  5. #5
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    Thanks for sharing. I'm sure he was smiling down on you!

  6. #6
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    thanks for sharing.

    congrats

  7. #7
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    Good job Matt, your Granddad would be proud.
    Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn't go so far as to call a dog filthy but they're definitely dirty. But, a dog's got personality. Personality goes a long way.


    You might take out a dozen before they drag you from your home and skull fuck you to death. Marsh Chicken 6/21/2013

  8. #8
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    Real good stuff

  9. #9
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    Yesssir. Good work and great memories.
    When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home. -Tecumseh-

    Quote Originally Posted by Griffin View Post
    You're also one of select few clemings with sense.

  10. #10
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    Congrats Matt! Great story & hunt!
    "If its better than cold beer and hot pussy it'll probably kill us all" ~ Rebel Son

  11. #11
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    Flat out awesome!
    Houndsmen are born, not made

    Quote Originally Posted by 2thDoc View Post
    I STAND WITH DUCK CUTTER!
    Quote Originally Posted by JABIII View Post
    I knew it wasn't real because no dogbox...

  12. #12
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    Great story, thanks.
    Bah! Humbug!

  13. #13
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    Damn! Take big head

  14. #14
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    Right on!
    Quote Originally Posted by JABIII View Post
    Indeed, yet I have killed no Jack Miners today, this month, or this season as our boy DHall has. I am more jealous of his awesome pig of a bird than everyone else combined.

    First Peter 5:7 "Cast all your care upon God"

  15. #15
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    Nov 2014
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    Good stuff
    "They are who we thought they were"

    You can dress a fat chick up, but you cant fix stupid

  16. #16
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    Yes sir, Great Story! Thanks for sharing!

  17. #17
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    Congrats.

  18. #18
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    Good stuff!

    Sounds like a great trip! Congratulations on the deer and finding peace!

  19. #19
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    Love it. Good for you and your soul.

  20. #20
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    Great stuff Matt
    Quote Originally Posted by Mars Bluff View Post
    Only thing we need to be wearing in this country are ass whippings & condoms. That'll clear up half our issues.

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