Well the day finally arrived and I took my middle child, Ruth on her first hunt last Friday. We had planned this day for weeks and the weather was great, it was chilly and Ruth got a little cold, but we had a great time together. We left just before sun up and went to north Greenville county to some WMA land and did some squirrel hunting, she carried along her older brother's .410 single shot just in case we got an opportunity. After walking along a trail for a while we heard some squirrels scampering along and we sat down, after a few minutes we saw two squirrels emerge on the opposite hill side, way out of range for the .410, but she enjoyed the excitement of seeing some. We then walked for a while, and found a safe spot and tried calling in some crows, to no avail. On the walk to the car she commented that this was the best day ever, and that is what makes dad's want to take their children more. We did take the time to teach her to shoot, she shot the .410 four times, after the first shot she said; "that hurt my shoulder, can i do it again!" and she hit her target! She was so proud and I was proud of her. I am learning as I grow and my children grow that when I take them it is more about spending time together than it is hunting. Sure I spend time teaching them about the woods, of the sights and sounds, the animal sign, and tracks, but it is far more to them about being with dad. We did not get anything, but what we were able to get was a day together in the woods, doing what I love, and spending it with one of my greatest gifts. I hope more dads out there will take the opportunity to take their kids hunting and fishing, and remember it is more for them to be with you than in the harvest. Enjoy the time, because before you can blink they will be gone and you will have missed your opportunity to spend with them. Before long, she and I will again, take a Saturday and take the time to be together.
