A hunter’s sidekick

Camo hat. Bright orange button-down. Binoculars hangin’ from my neck. Laced-up hiking boots. Aviators. Wow, do I feel cool. My dad even said, “you look like one of the guys!” Some women might feel a little offended by that comment, but I don’t. I fully embrace that for me, hunting really is more about the “experience” and the “feeling cool” part, not the actual “hunting” part. So, I’ll gladly accept the “you look like one of the guys,” statement as a good ol’ compliment.

And boy, I have had an experience being my dad’s sidekick for the last two days in the midst of deer hunting season. Waking up at the crack of dawn, riding around the bouncy fields and coulees in his pick-up with Tom Petty on the radio, while keeping our eyes peeled for those big bucks. There’s excitement in making a sighting, being in the right place at the right time.

Last night, when we went out for a couple hours, we didn’t spot one deer. Not one! My patience was tested and I will say, the beer tasted a little less fruitful at the end of our hunt than if we’d had some action. Yet, it was one of the best nights because it was time spent with my dad.

John is the guy everyone loves to love. He is a fun, caring, face-guy who remembers everyone he meets. He’ll talk to just about anyone – which as a teenager, embarrassed me at times – but all my friends love him and he is their friend too. We bond over beer, good music and food. We are both thinkers and planners. We’re very similar and he’ll say, “you are me,” which makes me happy. Time spent with him is some of the best.

When I look back on certain choices I’ve made, there are ones that I’ll regret and there are ones I won’t. Choosing to spend some extra time on the farm, riding around with my dad looking for deer that may or may not be there, this is something I’ll look back on and be thankful for.

So today, take life as it comes. If you’re given an opportunity to do something or spend time with someone, take a moment to think about how you’ll look back on that choice and what experiences you could gain. Follow your gut and live with intention. We are always told, don’t take life too seriously. But life should be taken seriously, seeing as you’ve got just one!

So go on that hunt. Maybe you’ll get a deer, maybe you won’t. But what’s the hurt in trying and making some good memories along the way?

“A hunt based only on the trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.”    -Fred Bear