Monday, September 17

The Dove Hunt

(The following post contains pictures from the hunt. While not "graphic" in nature, if you're upset by hunting, or by firearms, please go ahead and skip this post.)
Well, John was a little sad when he learned that he wouldn't be able to actually shoot until he's passed his hunter safety course. In Alabama, that's still two Very Long Years away, for him. So, Zorak took him to the upper meadow and they shot a few rounds before heading out. See that stance? That's not poor form -- that's recoil. A shotgun behaves very differently from a .22. A couple of those, and John decided perhaps it's best that Dad does the shooting this trip. (And yes, he's got hearing protection in.)

There's a lot of waiting.... and more waiting...
But when the company is good, it's not such a bad thing.

John wasn't sure how best to carry the birds, at first...

But he found his stride the second time around. He took his job very seriously, and I think he has a grasp of things that's good. As he laid the doves on the table to prepare them for the freezer, he commented on realizing now why it's so important to give thanks before you eat.

And Dad? How did Dad fare? Well, he had a truly fantastic day enjoying his son's company, enjoying the countryside, getting to know some of the farmers, and imparting a bit of himself with his child.
He's still glowing, and looking forward to spending more one-on-one time with the kids. It was a great day, all-around.
Kiss those babies!
~Dy
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6 comments:

Jennie C. said...

That is incredible! It's great that he got to spend time with his dad doing manly stuff, and beautiful that he has a connection to his food.

J-Lynn said...

How awesome is that?!? I'm so glad they had a great time & got 1-on-1 like that! What a great day on so many levels. Can't wait to hear about next weekend.

Melora said...

Somehow I thought it was James going hunting, not John. Then I saw John's darling little face! (I'm sure he doesn't read this, so his manly pride won't be affronted, but he is just Such a cutie!). I love the way the light is falling on him in that last picture -- so beautiful. I'm way too wimpy to kill my own dinner, but I think it is wonderful that he has an appreciation for where his food comes from.

Dy said...

Melora, they'll all have a chance to go this month. Actually, Smidge was supposed to go this last time, and then the two older boys were to go next Saturday. But for some reason, Smidge has been on a kick of wanting to be last, lately: last in the car, last in the tub, last to the table for supper, even last for dessert. It's a status symbol only a toddler could understand, I'm sure. :-)

So, next Saturday, James will go for a portion of the day and then Smidge will go for a portion of the day. John would love to go again, though, when the opportunity arises. :-D Thanks for the sweet words. We think he's a cutie, but we'll admit we could be biased. ;-)

J-lynn, they did have a great time. Hopefully, this set the tone for a number of adventures, not just hunting, but spending time together. Good stuff, isn't it?

Jennie, yes, I'm thankful for both things. And your time is coming! Not quickly enough, I'm sure, but oh, it's coming!! I thought of your little guy, actually, as I watched them pull out. Said an extra prayer for your Men, big and little.

Dy

Melora said...

Little Smidge is a hunter too? And do you have one of those orange hunting vests for him too? I would love to see him in his gear!

Katie has been on a bit of a "me last" kick too. She says, "God says to put others first, so you go before me." Of course, she is rather competitive and bossy about it, which may not be quite the spirit intended, but it's pretty funny.

Dy said...

LOL. Yes, the bossiness can override the concept, can't it?

The kids don't actually have their own gear. We have ear protection for everybody (or, had - Smidge dismantled one set last month), but that's Zorak's orange vest. (Hunting on base requires a vast amount of orange -- enough that he can outfit two people when hunting off base! LOL!) We figured it's best to give the children the orange that covers most of the Vital Organ Zone. On Smidge, that thing's likely to qualify as a toga. LOL. I'll be sure to get pics.

Dy