Top_Heavy's World

The hill was steep, impassable to his tired legs, save the goat trail he was climbing. He had been following the small band of rams with his guide for almost an hour now, playing hide and seek amongst the rock out croppings and contours of the ridge. The first time he laid eyes on the ram, he knew that was the one. Now on the 4th stalk, this batch of rams was getting nervous and ready to brake and run towards parts unknown. They inched forward, the young woman in the lead... peering over the last bit of cover they were finally in range. The boy slid his rifle forward, "Quietly" is all that was said. He laid prone and slid forward just enough. The safety came off, his breathing was almost uncontrolable, he was about to shoot his first bighorn! Lining up the sites he squeezed gently... the Red Ryder BB gun made a soft sound of rushing air, the shot was true, the 3 year old hunter had completed his first sheep hunt! I was so proud, smiling from ear to ear, pride only a father can know, as he raises his children to be outdoorsmen.
"I want to pet him dad" my daughter Ashley, the guide for this hunt, whispered. She was crafty for a 5 year old and had patience way beyond her years. My son, Anthony, also asked to hold the large sweeping horns... What could I say? I drew my Mathew's Drenalin, at 50 yards the ram was a fair shot. We raced down the hill to gather our trophy!

The joy in my children's eyes as they learned about animals, life and death, hair, horns and hunting is easily seen here with our sheep. My son knows he shot that animal, his first that is on the wall, and he will never be more proud!

Game farms are not for everyone, they have a certain place, with certain trophy value. I hunt them often, always with my kids, as a learning experience. The values and lessons needed to be gracious hunters are being cultivated in a controlled environment during desirable weather. Stealth, patience, stalking and camoflague skills, tracking and animal physiology are all being learned. I know the values I am showing my children now, will be lessons that last a lifetime. The pictures are pretty awesome too! Get your kids in the outdoors, make a difference in their lives!