Field to feast!

I took up hunting this year and have actually had some pretty good luck. I shot my first dove, quail, and pheasant all this year within the last 3 months. It has been a great overall experience being out in the wilderness and trying to shoot some of God's creation. Each one presents a different challenge which has made trying to get the hang of it a little more difficult than I had thought.

I didn't take any pictures of my first pheasant because I shot it and it landed in a bunch of water and so it wasn't so pretty. But I did take some of my next pheasant. Pheasant display such a wide variety of color and patterns and it is quite magnificent. With all the birds I have been able to

take from the field I have started to stock pile them in my freezer. I have been quite eager to eat them but at the same time somewhat reluctant. Here I am with about a dozen birds in my freezer just waiting to be cooked and eaten and I haven't even tasted them. Will I like it or not. I have hear quite a few times that they do in fact taste pretty close to chicken. After my last pheasant kill pictured within this blog I decided I was going to do it. I was going to take the bird immediately into the house and prepare it to be eaten. I had no clue what I was doing. I have heard from many to cook them just like chicken. So that is what I attempted to do. I figured I would marinate them overnight and then BBQ them the next day. I went into the house to find things I could use to marinate. I checked the fridge and the first thing I grabbed was lemon juice. Poured some of that in. Then proceed to add soy sauce, honey, onion salt, meat tenderizer/seasoning/ garlic chips, and finally some BBQ sauce. I mixed it all up and stabbed the meat a few times. I smelled my concoction and was not really looking forward to it. Saturday afternoon rolled around and as I committed to myself to do I placed them on the BBQ and hoped for the best. Not more than 15-20 minutes later I took them off and inside for the final test. Without anything else I took my first bite. Not bad! After a few more I thought where is my dipping sauce this is good grub. It was about all I could do to keep from eating it all but I wanted Jen to try it. Reluctantly she did and wasn't going to right home about it but didn't mind it, or at least that is what she said. I am looking forward to cooking the rest of the pheasant and also giving the quail and dove a whirl. As the title states this blog wouldn't be complete if I didn't put a picture of the after look at the pheasant after a few bits had been thoroughly enjoyed.

R.E.A.L. Man!

This last year a group of men at church went through the first book on Quest For Authentic Manhood. It was an amazing study where we learned a lot about who we are as men and how our past has shaped. The biggest thing I learned was that our world hasn't the slightest idea of what makes a man "A Man" which was very apparent during some of the interviews they had with guys in the valley.

R. eject passivity

E. xpect God's great reward

A. ccept responsibility

L. ead courageously

Through the study we learned what it truly means to be a man and not just a man but a God's man. We learned the four faces which include King, Warrior, Love, and Friend. Along with that we learned that part of the reason we don't really know what a man is, is a result of the fact that we don't know when the journey to manhood starts or when we can really say I am now a man. I think that most of the men in the room could totally relate. One of the things we learned is that with men, and our sons, we needed to ceremonialize the events that a boy goes through as he journeys toward becoming a man. Last night I got that opportunity with my oldest Austin. He turns 13 on Monday and I wanted to share with him some of the concepts I had learned in the study and let him know that his quest towards manhood has started.

The ceremony I put together had a lot more to it but with the cold weather and snow this early in October did force us to cut back a little but God was totally in it and the day was awesome. We started out bring and early Friday morning heading to the Fort Boise WMA for some pheasant hunting. We did see 4, 2 hens and 2 roosters, but Austin only got one shot and was just a little behind. Although it was great to see them and be out in the fields with him. We then headed home and packed up the truck with the dirt bikes and camping stuff to head to the mountains.

Once we were there we unloaded everything, canopy first, and put everything underneath it to keep it half way dry. It was really raining just rather spitting pretty good and just enough to make things a little damp. I shared with him the first 2 faces of a Godly man and then went for a drive to get some more firewood. I had brought quite a bit but the temp mid afternoon was only in the 40's and it was wet and I knew we would need a fire for a good portion of our stay. We got back and unloaded it and proceeded to make some kindling and such so that we could easily start the fire when we were ready. We went through the last 2 faces and had some great conversation. Austin then wanted to go for a ride. I wasn't too happy that I brought the bikes since it was wet and cold because I knew my son and he would definitely want to ride. We got all dressed up and headed out. It wasn't too bad at first but then we got up on the plateau and the wind was quite a bit stiffer. We ended up going about 8 or 9 miles and then headed back once we really couldn't feel our hands any longer. That's right the fire got started right when we got back and it was really nice once it was up and going. Austin proceeded to go on another couple rides while I get the fire going. I wasn't about to leave its warmth again.

It got to be about 6:15 and the meat of the day was about to start. Richie and dad were the first two to arrive for the night festivities. Richie passed where we were and had to turn around. Once Austin and I heard them driving up, he looked at me with a grin. I tried to play dumb only to find out he knew what was going on. He said I know Steph and Rich are right behind me. I said no they aren't and he turned and Granddad was walking up. He was surprised that it ended up only being a guy thing and not a big family deal. We had dinner which consisted of fire roasted hot dogs, potato and macaroni salad, chips, cookies, dip and yes for all the guys that came no mustard or ketchup. What could I say it was a guy trip. We all ate and sat and stoop around the fire talking. The next part was the icing on the cake. I told Austin why all the guys were here as his support structure for life and for his journey into manhood.

Each one of the guys there, Richie, Dad, Pop, Kelly, Jimbo, and TJ, said something about an experience they went through or a bit of encouragement to him. It was awesome. Thank you guys for investing last night and in the future of my son. I gave Austin his very first gun. A 20 gauge single shot shotgun. He was totally surprised because he has actually been using it for about a month or so but thought I had borrowed it from someone at work. We prayed over him for God's protection and guidance for his life. He then got a couple other gifts that night from some of the guys. We all talked for another 30 minutes or so and then everyone departed. Austin and I planned on staying but it was getting colder by the minute and in my eyes the night was a huge success and complete. We kept the fire going for another half hour or so hanging out and talking while we loaded up the truck to head home.

Remember how I mentioned God was totally in this. I found out from a couple of the guys that came up as well as for myself that the weather surrounding the spot we were at that night got hit with a major storm. In some places driving out there was 1-2 inches of snow or fog to where you could only see about 15 feet in front of your car. The place we were at got a drizzle off and on but nothing for the 3 hours the guys were there, no snow or fog. Isn't God amazing. Matt and Ben I wish you guys could have been here for this and I know you wish you could have also.

I will close with this. I told Austin that I hoped this was something he would not soon forget and he responded with this, "This wasn't something that you could easily forget".

Jealous? A Little!

It is a father's dream to watch their sons do something for the first time, especially when it is something we can remember, as if it were yesterday, that we did ourselves growing up. These last few years my boys have shown interest in activities that I have thought about and never really pursued. Motorcycle riding abotu 3 years ago and this past summer hunting. Austin and Taylor both conveyed their interest last summer which prompted the purchase of a German Shorthair pointer. After taking her out last fall with Richie on some hunts I wanted to shoot a Pheasant so bad, but I had to wait a year until I had my license. This is that year. I have been out a couple different times already this year hunting and have 4 Dove and 2 Quail breasts in my freezer, but I am chomping at the bit to get my first Pheasant. Two more weeks. We went out again for Quail this morning and came up empty handed. Today Pheasant opened up for youth. A friend at work told me about a WMA that they just stocked with a bunch of roosters. I was so excited to take Austin out there and let him have a chance to get one, but a little part of me hoped that we either would not see any or that he would miss. We did see one and as any dead eye would he downed it. He got one shot off at Pheasants today and he brought one dead Pheasant home. Despite wanting to get one first I was so proud that he was able to shoot and kill it. It was a beautiful bird. He made a great shot. I noticed it towards the end of the field we were in and Kya tracked it while we crept upon it. I thought we had lost it and Kya was on hard point but I could tell she could smell something. All of a sudden the ground beneath us felt like it exploded. We were standing about 2 feet from each other and Austin swung around, cocked his gun, and fired bringing the bird to the ground. As I watched I was extremely impressed. Despite facing the wrong direction the bird went he spun a 180 without endangering anyone around him, slightly miss handle trying to pull the firing pin back, getting it set, and still hitting the bird before it darted beyond hitting distance. It was a great experience and I am so glad that he got it. I think he will admit it was pretty cool getting a Pheasant before his old man.

Nice JOB son! You made me proud.

Did someone say Pheasant?

Hunting thus far has been a blast. I have shot both types of birds I have hunted thus far Dove and Quail. I have yet to go Grouse hunting but plan to do so soon. I have had both boys out with me already. Taylor along for the ride and Austin for his first hunt and kill. The dog has done well despite being young and still pretty green. But... I am really looking forward to the hunt and kill of the beauty below. Austin may get a chance this weekend as pheasant season opens 2 weeks early for youth, but marked on my calendar is Oct 18th when I get the chance. I do have one dilemma and that is I wil be traveling for work on the 15th back to Boston and will be returning either the 17th or the 18th. The team right now is tentatively planning to go to a Celtics vs. Knicks game on the 17th which require me to stay until Saturday morning and I don't know if I could get a flight back to hit the opening of Pheasant season. I have seen an NBA exhibition game many moons ago but it was at the BSU Taco Bell Arena and not at the Garden in Boston. What to do????

Two Moments Every Man Can Be Proud Of! Maybe three.

First off I have to say thanks to my older bro. He got my oldest son Austin interested in hunting that produced interest in me, followed by the purchase of a dog, followed by hunter's education for Austin and I and our very first hunts.

The first moment that I am extremely excited about is Austin shooting. I took him a couple months ago and he was using a barrowed 20 gauge shotgun that he proceeded to shoot about 4-6 times. It went well but it made him extremely nervous to shoot anymore after that and it left a reminder on his arm. Yep sore and bruised. The next several chances he had to shoot left me frustrated and him upset because he wouldn't do it. Being the patient person I am some of my frustration I let him know about. Finally on Sunday afternoon I finally got him to shoot. After he did it the first time he wanted to do it again and again. After shooting a half box of shells he fell in love and I was so proud I coudl hardly stand it. On the way home we talked about it and discussed the possibility of hunting tonight.

This picture is Austin putting each shell into the appropriate sleeve right before we head out to see what we could kill. He is so particular. I was a little nervous about him carrying around a loaded gun as we walked to locate birds but he was extremely cautious and respected the power and potential that the gun he had carried.



This next picture make s me so proud and possibly thinking I have a dead eye on my hands. Right out of the truck a couple Dove were sitting in a tree. Three of the all perched right next to each other. I said shoot away. His response "seriously!" He shot and feathers flew everywhere. We checked excitedly under the tree for his first kill and found nothing. I found it hard to believe that with all the feathers that fell there was no bird. I saw some birds out in the field and as we moved a little closer I noticed that they were Quail. I thought sweet. We proceed after them and to my surprise in flight going from Austin's right to left he nailed one. It was such a beautiful sight. The bird in mid-flight folded up and fell to the ground. I rushed over to him to congratulate and high five him. He has no shot a gun like maybe 20 times and during his first hunt he downed a bird. I honestly thought we would go home empty handed tonight and all that we would have come away is more practice for him. We walked up to the bird and it fluttered into the air about 2 feet above the ground into a bush and was gone. Are you kidding me! I was ticked. Austin didn't care much and was ready to prey on another flying object. Below is him joyously displaying arm in one hand and his first kill in the other. It made me so proud to take his picture. I think I got more joy taking him out and seeing him successfully shooting a bird than I got two days prior getting my first bird.

This last picture is of my first hunting trip where I got to carry a gun and could actually shoot. It was also the first time Kya went out after a year of training. She did awesome, didn't go on point but did track a bird that was running that she led Jake to and was eventually shot by Jake. She did a really good job locating the downed birds and fetching and brought them back. I had spent quite a bit of time in this area but most times she brought them back I had to coerce her to drop them. Out in the field, it was second nature, she knew to bring them back and literally dropped them in my hand. I was extremely excited to see her do so well and see the work I had invested prior pay off. She isn't done learning and is far from being a finished dog, but in my eyes well on her way. I was extremely excited to come home with a successful hunt for Kya, but also for me. I got 2 Quail and 1 Dove along with being drenched from head to toe. Although it was a bit cold I enjoyed every minute and look forward to my next chance. I also had Taylor in toe and he was such a trooper. When we were walking to each of the spots he reminded me how wet and cold he was. When it was time to locate the birds and shoot and retrieve them he acted as if he was as dry as could be. Can't wait for him to get a little older and take him out for his first hunt and kill! Look at him so excited to display our kill.

So Much In So Little Time

So much has happened since my last blog that I will have to share individually. First was a backpack trip with the guys. Not much more you can ask for. I spent 48 hours hiking the grand beauty of the Sawtooth mountains and enjoyed almost every minute of it. It was about 20 miles all in all. We started by leaving town Friday August 29th at about 5:30. A little later than I had planned but still pretty close to schedule. Jim, my boss, and I headed up for the 3 hour drive from Boise to the Toxaway/Petite loop trailhead. Arriving, as it seems I always do, just as the sun is setting and the darkness is taking over. Not more than about a half mile into the first days hike off the trail a bit we could see a group of eyes gazing at us. I took my camera out hoping to get a good picture. It ended up being only eyes in the darkest of night, but we actually did see some spikes on the top of one of the heads. We moved on and completed the first nights hike 4 miles in with an elevation gain of ~700 feet.

The night was rather mild only dropping into the low 50's. The next morning and day were rather uneventful. We were up, ate breakfast, and did some brief fishing before determining we wanted to get onto Toxaway lake before it warmed up much more. This trek I thought would take much longer but quickly we arrived at the lake. It is a mile long, which is amazing to me since we were setting basically on the top of the mountains. A mile long lake at 8300 feet, and who said God isn't creative. Oh yeah, this lake must have just happened with a big explosion. The pictures below will completely throw that idea right out the window. Not knowing exactly where we wanted to camp other than knowing we had a big hike the next day to over the pass we did decide that we want to be at the one end and get as much walking out of the way today as possible. Without knowing how many sites were suitable for the three of us we walked until we found a good site that would be fairly easy on our backs for sleeping. We drop our backs, made a quick bit to eat and proceeded to fish as we hiked the balance of the mile long lake until we found a better spot or an equivalent one to where we were. We did in a little meadow and the very end of the lake right at the foot of our next days hike. The fishing was scarce at best until I hit one little hole that landed me 6 fish all that hit the line as lunkers but ended up only being little pints that we tossed back. Our home for that night was perfect. We had an amazing view of the mountain peaks, lake, and the fishing was fabulous. Jim and I must have had 20-25 fish each that evening. None of which made it to our frying pan unfortunately but it made for a very enjoyable and relaxing time.

The next morning was more of the same. This night was slightly cooler dropped down into the low 40's but a far cry from the high teens I have tolerated in nights before up in the Sawtooths. Breakfast, fishing, and then on the trail by 9 was our plan and what we stuck too and we were glad we did. This portion of the hike started at Toxaway at ~8300 feet and went up the mountain eventually hitting 9390 at just 1.5 miles. Yep your right that is pretty much straight up. We came across what we are calling a mountain goat. The reason we are not sure is something got to it and left a few bones and a pile a fur just off the trail. Rather amazing but at the same time a little nerve racking knowing that at some point within the last several months something had been through here that did it. We finally reached the top and the view was absolutely gorgeous. The jagged peaked bowl on the other side with 3 beautiful lakes below was ...... Speechless is what I am. Hard to put into words. The wind was howling through this little saddle and after sweating the whole way up we took out pictures and quickly began to descend down. The picture of the two guys. Neither one of them are my boss nor Jim. A couple guys came up and we crossed paths at the top. They came from the direction we were headed. Funny story, but I'm not laughing. Their camera broke and they asked if they took a picture of the three of us would we take a picture of them and email it. What a deal. I was half way in the process of trying to set the timer and get it just right to get the beautiful scenery and the three of us also. We posed first and then they did and boom we were done right. Well when the trip was over and I got home and began looking through the pictures to see how good they were I noticed the picture of the two clowns as I will now call them and nope no picture of me with my two fellow hikers. The clown didn't hold the button down long enough for it to take. What are you an amateur. Onto my trip. The wind continued to blow. We hiked down to another lake that we wanted to fish and the wind kept increasing and the temp get dropping. Lunch was served and we started noticing clouds rolling across overhead and each one that went by was bigger and darker than the last. At this point we made the decision to hike as far as we could with the hope that meant the car. We all decided with as nasty as each cloud looked as it came in none of us wanted to spend our last night up at elevation weathering a storm that only meant the next day was a hike out. Not much to look forward to. The reason we struggled with this decision is we were still 7.5 miles away from the car and we had already hiked 2.5 miles up to this point. Two things convinced us to give it a go. The first was the storms rolling in but second this was all down hill. We made great time making it in 2.5 hours. We were flying but the last mile was along Petitt lake and it took forever. In my first few sentences of this blog I mentioned I enjoyed almost every minute of it. This last mile I did not enjoy one bit. I was tired, my feet were tired and had hot spots all over them and I was plain worn completely out. I would absolutely make the trip again just may not hike all the way on the last day. I will leave you with a few photos to visually display my story.

First Day of School

First Day of School.

As tradition would have it, I get to sleep in, wake up with the kids, and go with Jen to take them to school. This year hit me a little harder than those in the past. Austin is about two months away from being 13 and he is right in the throws of middle school. The Taylor that used to be my little guy is growing up like a weed right before my eyes. Then there is my little princess. WHAT she is going to school this year and it ain't something called preschool. I can't believe daddy's girl is grown up enough to be out on her own at school. I don't care that it is only half days. She was supposed to wait until she was at least 18 or somewhere close. Take a real close look at the picture. I can't be old enough to have 3 kids and have them all in school also. Where did the time go. I am so proud of them and look forward to the challenges they will over come and the things they will do, but for this second right now I am saddened that they are growing up so fast...