By Mike Fettic Jr.
I remember deer hunting was a trip that my father would go on once a year. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t go, at the time I was only 5 years old. I remember all I wanted was to head out with all the big boys and go become a man. When I turned 12 I was able to go. This trip was the most amazing trip I had been on and will be in my memory for the rest of my life.
There are those who don’t care for hunting and those that have been raised doing it. I don’t feel that people should judge each other or be opinionated pro or against. For my family it’s about the time together, learning animal behavior and respecting the outdoors. I have been on many trips and not filled my tag, and to tell the truth I really don’t need to fill the tag now, it’s more than that. It’s more than the meat in the freezer.
My father started hunting when he was a young boy, my uncle would say he is a self-taught outdoorsman. His father past when he was three years old. Though he had many male role models in his young life, His drive to be a man and determination to become the best outdoorsman is greater than most people could even fathom. My father has taught me more during these hunting trips then I have ever learned in class or any paved street. I feel the love of the land, wildlife, fellow man, and family far outweighs how much money you have in the bank.
My sons have been raised with this hunting lifestyle along with their own drive to become men. They look at their grandfather as the greatest man that has ever lived. The respect that they have for, mankind, wildlife, and land has been taught by this lifestyle. It’s what defines each of them. As the father of these boys I am proud to say they are on the correct road to become great men following in their grandfather footsteps, Let me remind you that the road is made out of dirt!
Last week my oldest was able to get a respectable buck. My father, my youngest and I, were proud to be with Dawson during this hunt. Though this was not the biggest or the smallest deer it is a very respectful one. For Dawson it was more about seeing his grandfather’s smile and excitement. My father is a man of few words but for Dawson those words are why we were there.
To have three generations of this family together and sharing the event is worth more to me than any items you can purchase. If my boys carry on with the outdoor traditions, I know the values taught will help them thru the life that they choose to live.
I don’t know what life will bring but I hope the dirt road will continue on forever…
