I came across this story and really liked what it was all about. Two boys get their first chance at hunting thanks to a special graduation gift from their great uncle. The result was a trophy record book 392 bull elk from Montana. Here is a short excerpt from the article:
Nonchalant as he professed to be, Ducato admitted to breaking down and sobbing with joy when he saw the elk his grand nephews had brought back to camp.
“I couldn’t believe there was an animal that big,” he said. “I was astonished and so happy, I actually cried. I was so happy for Nick and Andrew. Neither had ever seen an elk in the wild before. I give them both credit for putting down that bull.”
Nick shared the glory with his brother, Andrew, as well.
“I cannot take all the credit for getting the elk,” Nick said. “My brother calmed me down when it was my turn to shoot,or I would have probably missed it.”
Nick seemed humbled by the experience rather than overly exuberant, displaying an understated demeanor in an age too often typified by self-gratification and celebration.
Link: Full Article
Kristine Shreve
December 21, 2006 at 8:59 am
This is a fantastic story. It shows the great things that can happen when older hunters teach their skills and values to younger hunters. I especially like where the uncle breaks down and cries at the end because he’s so happy for his nephews.
It’s nice to see stories like this that celebrate hunting.