this is the way hunting is supposed to be. Not always getting something to hang on the wall, but rather getting something to remember forever.

These are the type of stories I want to see more of...the author is following in the footsteps of one of the "greats" in outdoor writing...Gene Hill. As stated above, hunting is so much more than the bagging of game. I love the family aspect of outdoor activities. Please keep these types of stories coming.

like a lot of dads, i dreamed of the day when my kids would want to hunt. it came last fall. after completing their hunter ed classes we packed up up and headed for a campground in our local fish and wildlife area. our goal was to camp and hunt for the weekend of our state's youth hunt. we had an amazing time, and viewed numerous wildlife. there were open fire cooked meals and great campfire stories. we spent an hour with a six pointer grazing in front of us and never attempted a shot as only does are legal for the youth hunt. it was the weekend i'd dreamed of for nearly 14 years. thanks for reminding me about it, it was one of my best weekends ever!

wow awesome story

Although my sons have grown up, I still remember their first hunting trip with me. My eldest is a No. 1 hunter and fisherman, the two younger ones like hunting but not as much as they like to fish (which is fine with me). I think raising kids to be active in the out of doors is and should be priority one in getting them to connect with their parents and out from in front of video games etc. Mine were active in Scouting which also helped. Keep up these stories. You can't go wrong with readers and maybe help non-hunters to understand that it isn't all about shooting something and about "trophies". Memories are the best trophies there are.

Excellent write-up as always Eddie. Hunting with your dad is the best. Hunting with your kids is exceptional.

Thanks, F&S for this subject. Our kids are not only the future of hunting and fishing in America, they are the "survival" of these two activities! I have flown my oldest grandson from southern CA to southwest New Hampshire to learn to hunt deer; he is in college now but it remains the highlight of his life. Now, on to grandson #2.

In the opening comments, there is a description of the mom and pop motel and the comment that "this is what is still right with america". I would say sir that what is still right with america is you and your family. The experiences you have and will create for your kids can not be measured. These kids will have a say in the future of our outdoor sports. I would say from what I see in the photo gallery, we will be in good hands. Happy hunting Markie and Jack !!

The story was cool

There's nothing like teaching kids how to hunt and fish. My father taught me about the outdoors and how important it is to spend time with your children. I find myself very lucky to have a father like Edward Nickens.