hunting Eve

Well, it's that time of year again....the Eve of the opening weekend of deer hunting in Wisconsin.  I thought a lot today back to my first years of deer hunting with my Dad.  12 years ago was my first year.  The first couple years we had feet and feet of snow!  I spent my first couple of years sitting with my Dad.  He was and still is such a great teacher in the outdoors.  He taught me everything I know about being an active outdoors-woman.  It started as just a tradition between me and my Dad.  Just him and I, every year, in our blaze orange, out in the woods.  A few years ago, my younger sister decided to take on the sport as well.  She came with us for 2 seasons, but just didn't have the interest in continuing the sport.  I am glad she tried it at least, because many of our young youth, especially girls don't try this male-dominated sport.  She was sitting with me when she got her first buck.  I guess Dad's good teaching skills rubbed off on me as well!  Luke was recently inducted into the Valentino Deer Camp as well.  This will be his 3rd year with us.  My brother-in-law Phil will also be joining us this year.  At times it's hard for me to face the fact that our family is growing from a hunting standpoint.  It's not just Dad and I out there anymore...Yes, I even had a hard time "letting" my own fiance join us.  It's not because I am a mean or selfish person.  A lot of people don't understand how seriously I take this sport and the fact that it has always been Me and Dad's "thing."  When your used to just the "me and dad thing" it's sometime difficult for me to step back and realize that other family members should be a part of it as well.  It will always be me and Dad's "thing" because it's been our special bonding time together for 12 years now!  I'm glad that I have so many years of special experiences hunting with Dad and I know we have many more years ahead.  Now, lets see if Luke and Phil can "roll with the big dogs this weekend."  Wish us all luck as we head to Valentino Deer Camp tonight and hunt trophy whitetail all weekend long!

    My Mom ordered us awesome hats and shirts for the occasion!