For many years my father has hunted far and away places.  He spoke to me often of doing the same myself as the trips make lifetime memories.  Over the years raising a family, lack of funds, and not enough vacation time prevented me from going.  This year I finally decided to book a trip because in my father's words "Son, life is short and you're not getting any younger - do it while you can."

And so I made arrangements for a hunt in Wyoming.  I spoke to my father on the eve of departure.  He was excited for me and wished me the best of luck, although being a rifleman he didn't quite understand how the economics and travel justified chasing critters with stick and string    .

I arrived in Casper and had an urgent voicemail to call home.  My father had suddenly passed away during my travel.  Reflecting on our past conversations I decided to continue the hunt in his honor.  I believe he would have wanted that.  Final arrangements were planned that allowed me to finish the hunt.

His passing weighed heavily on me but strangely I could not bare my soul to the grief.  As I sat waiting for antelope to appear at the waterhole I realized the parallels between our lives.  My fathers first adventure hunt was to Wyoming for antelope when he was about the same age I am now.

He must have been watching over me because I did harvest a fine animal.  The moment was very emotional for me and all the bottled up grief finally surfaced.  It was as though my Dad had a mission for me and our spirits connected over the harvest.

Dad, you will always be there with me as I roam in the pursuit of the hunt.

Dad, this one is for you.........

 

Very sorry for your loss Scott.

I think about my dad alot when I am with my son doing the things I did with him when I was a boy.

I am sure it turned out as he would have wanted it to.

Scott,
Sorry to read of the loss of your father. But I'm sure as well, that your father was with you, and was a part of your hunt. A beautiful antelope. Prayers for you and your family.

Scott, I am not nearly as eloquent with words as some are, but you and yours will be in my prayers for some time to come. Have strength my friend.

God Bless

Scott,
My very deepest sympathies to you & your family.
He was indeed with you on that hunt & will be for many years to come.
Prayers for you & yours.

Larry

Scott:

Sorry for your loss Scott.  I'll keep your family in my prayers.  Congratulations on the hunt.

Scott:

More thoughts of consolation at your loss.  I stood with my loving bride Tuesday as we bid our last farewells and prayers to her father, a true southern gentleman.  I, too, believe your father was with you on the hunt.  TGF

I'm sure he was right there with you on your hunt.  Life is too short.  So very sorry for your loss but big congrats on a fine trophy!!

Kyle

Congratulations to yourself, and your father on a job well done.

Scott,sorry for your loss it must of been hard to do what you did,But your dad  would have wanted it that way god bless and my prayers go out to you and your family......ED

Scott, a father is always there, strong, like a rock.
now it is your turn to carry on the legacy.
from your post you are on the right path, good luck, and our condolences to you and your family.
i have a feeling your father is looking, and is very proud. Cary and Joey.  

Scott,

Dads are ALWAYS there, sometimes when we did something wrong you real whish they werent    but werever we go, whatever we do they are there.....deepest sympathies.

John

My eyes and heart weep for you, Scott, but with both sorrow and joy. You made a connection that will carry you through many a rough spot in your life - and the good ones too. Bless you both. Bless us all.

Scott, Congratulations my friend,I'm sure your Dad is VERY PROUD of you!!!

Great Spirit, Our friends father comes to you as swift and straight as an arrow shot into the sun. Welcome him to his place at the Hunter's Eternal Campfire.

Chuck

Scott,I also am sorry to hear of your loss.I will keep you and yours in my prayers.

Scott,

Nice goat and story.  I remember the hard times I had on the first few hunts after my dad passed.  Then one day you look in the mirror and you see him looking back at you and reallize he didn't go anywhere.  He is there in you to carry forward.  Make sure you get your kids out on those hunts so they will have the same memories to carry.

Mike

Scott,

I was deeply touched by your story. I extend my sympathy and sorrow for your loss. You and all you hold dear are in my prayers. Your father will forever live on in the memories of friends and loved ones.

Vaughn

Scott, Sorry for your loss.That is a very touching story.Glad you made the decision to continue the hunt in your Dads honor.He'll hunt with you forever now bro!!My prayers will be with you and your family.Once again...sorry bro....

Nice pronghorn,if you feel up to it sometime...tell us a bit more about your hunt...

Scott, your story brings back memories, the year my Dad died (suddenly and unexpected) I shot the biggest buck ever taken off our property, sure wish he'd been around to see it. He died in the spring, and I couldn't bring myself to hunt turkeys that year on our land, just to many memories of the two of us stompin through the woods. prayers for you and your family.

larry