Getting a trophy mounted.

[id. painter]

I have hunted and fished all my life.
when I was 13 I killed a beautyful Mt goat. I killed it in late November and the coat was fantastic. My father killed one the same day.
Memory of a life time. My Goat was placed on a big slab of Red wood burrel (sp)and then positioned to one side of my fathers fire place, my fathers went on the other side.
Since that time I taken some real trophy animals , and have had several mounted. My pronghorn scored 82 1/4.
A Mule deer that scored 185 with a ton of deductions.
A Whitetail , 6x8 wide and heavy.
My bear was 6'2" and made a beautyful rug.
I didnt mount my Elk.6x7 with 59" beams. Too big for my dorm room.
This year my 11 year old son started to hunt .
It was only legal for him to hunt birds .
He worked very hard . He is small for his age, shortest in his 6th gr. class. But has the highest readig level in his class. Well aware of his small size.
I was impressed at his determination and effort.
I wanted to give him a perminant reminder of his first season.
While walking with our pup (morgan)my son took several mature roosters. I took the most colorful and largest bird to a taxidermist. Im getting a flush flying mount. 250 smackers. it will be done this week and Im as excited to give it as he will be to get it. His first trophy. id. painter

[Drakeblake]

Good job [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] It will be a trophy he will be able to remember and have forever.

-blake

[Crayfin]

I gotta say ID, after reading your stories and reflections on things, you are one individual that if I ever get a chance to meet-I am going to be grateful for the opportunity. You have class my friend and I think truly appreciate life-thanks for taking us on your trips. I for one appreciate the time you take to "smell the roses".

Todd

[foleys]

Your son will remember that hunt every time he looks at it, I am 15 and i shot a beutiful 4 point two years ago and my dad had it mounted and it was my christmas gift to me,

Every time i look at it i get excited to go out hunting and remember that hunt like it was yesterday.

Nick~

[id. painter]

Thanks for the kind word Crayfin.Id like to meet you . Ill come over again in March or April for springers. Lets fish.
It has taken a horrid life changing event , to get to where i am now.
I have aways been a very happy to be alive kind of guy. I love life. I have an energy for life that most will never realize. Now im being told to enjoy what I have because it is going to fade ,slowly ill become a cripple. Dont know how bad Ill be, or how long it will take ,but it will happen.
Kind of makes everything seem important. Except work. Im having a real hard time feeling like I want to spend the best(I wont get better) part of my life teaching school. Makes me want to do all that Ive dreamed of and not stop till I cant do anymore. It makes it hard to want to give yourself to someone other than family.
. Im not going to miss out on one second of living.
I wake earlier than ever , go to bed late , and dont want to miss a moment . Im not angry but anxious about what lies ahead.
I cant wait for retirement, like most folks.My retirement will be too late.
Way back in highschool I fell in love with my wife. While we were learning about love and life , I ask her " will you still love and stay with me even if I end up a cripple in a wheel chair?" she looked so shocked at the question and her reply was so sincerly given. There was no question that she loved me forever.
Strange how thing work out. id. painter

[Crayfin]

ID--it's a deal! Just give me a shout out and we'll get together when your down here.

Your post damn near brings a tear to my eye. You are indeed blessed with a great family. The people you teach will forever be touched.

Life is strange...............huh

Crayfin

[Tunamaster]

id.painter - good job, that is money well spent- a priceless memory!

[troybuz]

Your story is great, and those are the reasons why he will always call you DAD!