Life goals?

[35 Whelen]

:? Well its too late now as I had a chance back in 1984 to go on the hunt of a lifetime with my boss to Mongolia for both Lower Altai Sheep and a Mongolian Wapti . The deal was a special hunt offered thru Kleinburgers at the time and was still a $25K hunt. He came up with a deal with the outfitter over there to let TWO hunters shoot both species for $ US 15,000 as bussiness was slow for them.
My Boss ran it by me and says lets go! I thought it over and decided that even $7500 at that time was tooo rich for my budget. [At that time I was making $4K a month flying a Beaver for his lodge]
so he then says" I will pay for HALF of your fare" so I was offered a chance to go on what now is a $60,000 hunt when they were shooting some gaggers over there, for $3750 total to include all airfares out of Seattle and I thought it all over and again turned him DOWN???????
It is still one of the poorest choices I have ever made. He in turn didnt want to go alone and NEVER went either!!!! Everytime we visit now it always comes up with him saying after a couple of his favorite single malts............................ hey Earle member the the time I offer to take you to Mongolia for less than a months work!!!!!! I dont like to directly answer him and try to look out the window and just nod my head

 

[DrMike]

:? Well its too late now as I had a chance back in 1984 to go on the hunt of a lifetime with my boss to Mongolia for both Lower Altai Sheep and a Mongolian Wapti . The deal was a special hunt offered thru Kleinburgers at the time and was still a $25K hunt. He came up with a deal with the outfitter over there to let TWO hunters shoot both species for $ US 15,000 as bussiness was slow for them.
My Boss ran it by me and says lets go! I thought it over and decided that even $7500 at that time was tooo rich for my budget. [At that time I was making $4K a month flying a Beaver for his lodge]
so he then says" I will pay for HALF of your fare" so I was offered a chance to go on what now is a $60,000 hunt when they were shooting some gaggers over there, for $3750 total to include all airfares out of Seattle and I thought it all over and again turned him DOWN???????
It is still one of the poorest choices I have ever made. He in turn didnt want to go alone and NEVER went either!!!! Everytime we visit now it always comes up with him saying after a couple of his favorite single malts............................ hey Earle member the the time I offer to take you to Mongolia for less than a months work!!!!!! I dont like to directly answer him and try to look out the window and just nod my head

Earle, as we grow older, all our missed opportunities seem to constantly view for the limited attention we have left. I believe any of us over the age of 50 can recall some special opportunity that for what seemed very good reasons at the time were passed. Good post.

 

[mcseal2]

I was fortunate enough to go on an elk hunt while still in college. The older guy I went with told me something I'll never forget. "Find a way to do this now, by the time you can afford it you will be to old to enjoy it." He didn't mean to spend stupidly, or put the whole hunt on a credit card, just to find a way to make the extra money to do what you love. Hunting and fishing have been my passion pretty much my whole life so I have found ways to do a little day work for other ranches here and there to put in the hunting fund. Between that and what I can save from my paycheck I've managed to get my gear put together and start going on one western hunt each year. Only went on one guided hunt that I got for $2500 the rest have been with my friend from Wyoming or DIY.

 

[35 Whelen]

Your so right Mike :wink:
I should have some good stuff on here shortly as we have about 7" of ice now behind the house on the lake and I gotta get some bait out and see if I can take one at 500 yds this year! I have one of those Zeiss Scopes on my 270 with the Z600 reticule but have never shot anything over 400 with it yet but it worked flawlessly with it lined up at 200 yds and just held the 400 yd wires and Bingo does just what it is soposed to . So we will see about 5/600??? I never shot one that far before so will be fun trying! :shock:
Mcseal
I hear this same comment all the time from older clients........................ and I think the old fella gave you excellent advise! All of us can usually scrounge up the dough if we put our minds to it and its for sure none of us are gettting any younger. Missed hunts or hunting seasons are NOT replaceable! With all the health issues floating around a guy wants to feel lucky to have the chance!

 

[Africa Huntress]

Great account, Guy. To be able to lean against a balsam tree on a mountainside in the late autumn sun while elk and moose move through the valley below is a piece of heaven. To watch the heaving side of a big royal bull elk, steam blasting from his nostrils as he screams his defiance of every other competitor for his harem is sufficient to generate memories for a lifetime. To have watched a great moose with a rack bigger than one could imagine come rocking into a clearing a few yards away, grunting all the while as he seeks out the one threatening his cows is almost overwhelming. To witness the grizzly as he drags a moose carcase into the trees while glaring at you because you disturbed his meal keeps one young. To have witnessed twelve black bears stand simultaneously out of an oat field when you whistle reminds you of just how puny you really are. To have watched a black wolf run pell-mell toward you in order to investigate what he thought was a dying rabbit keeps life thrilling. To have witnessed mountain caribou, Dall sheep and Bighorn sheep in their own wild environment is the stuff of memories. To have looked mountain goats in the eyes at close range on their own turf is the genesis of joys that will last a lifetime. I've fished for and caught five species of salmon, summer run and winter run steelhead, rainbow trout, brook trout, grayling, pike and walleye as I fished almost every major river in BC and the Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories. To have shared these adventures with good friends has enhanced every one of the experiences. I consider myself blessed. Should my life suddenly be concluded, I will not feel as though I have been cheated. God has been gracious. Until I die, I pray I will have opportunity to continue to walk where the wild things walk, take the occasional big game animal, and enjoy the adventure of life with dear friends and family. This is one of the advantages of being a bit older. I could never have imagined such a thing when conducting research in Dallas or in San Francisco. Thirty-three years in British Columbia has provided me wonderful opportunities. I have few regrets.

Well said Dr. Mike

I have God, my husband, my parents and my grandparents to thank for giving me the opportunity to hunt so many species of animals on so many continents. My first plains game hunt in Africa was when I was 7 and thanks to the aforementioned people I have never stopped. People ask me, what did you like best when hunting Africa, North America, South America, Asia, New Zealand or ?.

And I always tell them that I hardly ever think of a hunt because of the species of game or the continent is was on. All of my hunting memories involve friends and family. I mentioned a hunt of the Marco Polo earlier this year. but when we talk about it we never talk about the animal, but the trip and the things that happened on the trip that made the trip special.

When I hunted the White Bear and Walrus a few years ago, I was left with only three things left on my bucket list and I doubt, because of the laws of the land, that they will happen, but maybe.

I have always been an adrenaline junkie, so the lion and leopard were my favorite hunts in Africa. Therefore, the three I would like to hunt are. Tigers in India, Jaguar in the Amazon, and the Snow Leopard in China. My husband has actually notified all three governments and advised them that if they have a rogue animal on their hands that we will come and hunt it for them at no cost to them. The Jaguar could happen, the Snow Leopard is a long shot, and the Tiger, I am afraid will never happen

But God willing, I will enjoy many more hunts with family and friends, which will provide many more memories and I will never tire of watching the sun come up over the Africa plains, the mountains in Alaska, or a farm in Nebraska. And the sunsets are not bad either.

Like Dr mike I feel blessed and have few regrets. My daughters have ask me on occasion if I have any regrets and I always tell them the same thing. Only that I cant do it all over again.

 

[DrMike]

Truly one of the advantages of maturing, Aleena, is the ability to realise what is truly important in life. Friendships and family are what make for a rich life. What good is a challenging hunt if there is no one to share it with. Years ago, I travelled extensively on behalf of the school I represented. My wife commented how much she envied my travels. I pointed out that I saw the inside of motels and hotels and church buildings. If I rented a car and drove through beautiful country, there was no one to share it with, and I just kept driving. There was always the tyranny of the urgent that pressed on me as I moved from one appointment to another. It is different when we share with family and friends. I live in an area in which the scenery is eye candy, but utterly worthless if we have no one with whom to share what we witness.

 

[Thankful Otter]

Dr Mike is a gentleman and answered your post in a very nice manner

I was actually thinking Jerry and Scotty were correct. You are a spoiled B

Seriously---good for you A, not only to have such a full hunting life but to have had the opportunity to have done so with people you loved. I hope you have the opportunity to get your Tiger, Jaguar and Leopard

my bucket list is pretty simple

Africa, big 5 and a few plains game
Argentina, so I can hunt the Red Stag and my husband can Dove hunt
Mexico, Turkey hunt for my husband

 

[Oldtrader3]

Personally, I am way beyond doing almost anything over again because of age and health conditions. I was not much of a trophy hunter until I was older and lived mostly in states that did not provide that kind of hunting environment. I had so much project work as an engineer and travel to do that I was lucky to get 4-5 days a year for myself and the opportunity to go hunting in an adjacent state, maybe. I was lucky that many of these states had much better hunting than where I lived.

I had a year and a half after retirement where I got to hunt and fish often mostly in California where I belonged to a hunting club. I took advantage of these opportunities as best I could but I had TB from working in Asia and that ended my hunting and Mexico fishing career pretty quickly. You play the hand that you are dealt and I got NH Lymphoma from my TB and then Bronchiectasis. My lungs are about 15% efficient now and my productive hunting days are over despite having a disabled plaque and license for hunting which allows me to shoot from the road and inside the car. I also have immune deficiency which prevents me from going anywhere there are lots of people, like in an airplane.

I am not complaining. I hunted deer and elk a lot. I killed many, many deer and some elk. I enjoyed myself to the fullest of the opportunities that I had. I just got sick before I thought that I would and it ended my hunting. Everyone does what they are able to and at the time, work was more important to me. I accomplished many other goals which were important to me and took much of the resources that I had. we all make these choices in life and life with the outcomes.

The thing that am most happy with is the exposure to many, many fine guns and having the opportunity to own and use many of these fine weapons during my life. I was lucky enough to have the income and interest in these things and was able to be involved with shooting and gun ownership through all of my life. That is the thing that I get the most pleasure out of now, is my knowledge of guns and gun related topics.

I also travelled to many and worked in about 30 different countries and lived in (5). This gave me a lot of exposure to the world and to the people who live in it. It ultimately also crippled me but I learned a lot along the way from working in all of these countries on four continents. So I have a lot to be thankful for. Everybody gets their particular slice of life and should make the most of it, I did.

 

[Africa Huntress]

Looking back, I guess I've taken care of a lot of "goals" or "wants" when it comes to hunting and fishing.

If I draw one of those once-in-a-lifetime tags, I'll be all over it, and will do whatever I can to make that hunt a success. Otherwise, I'm just going to keep on hunting & fishing. The experience, just being out there doing it - that's what I'm really after. Particularly when I can share it with family and friends.

Oh yeah - bumping into a cougar- in season, with tag in pocket and rifle in hand - would really make my day!

Regards, Guy

Guy,

I ran out of time yesterday, but your post above really hit home with me, as did Dr Mikes post I referred to yesterday. Hunting with Family and friends and running into a cougar. If you saw my post yesterday, I love hunting Cats.

Dr, Mike. you are so correct sir. We travel a lot and sometimes separately and after awhile every hotel room looks just like the last one, especially if your alone.

Cheyenne, I know how much your husband wants to hunt the Ocellated Turkey in Mexico and I hope it happens sooner rather than later. He seems to be alone in his quest as I dont remember any other turkey hunters on this thread. Make sure you go with him as the Yucatan part of Mexico is very interesting and have some great "ruins"--plus Cancun, a great party town LOL

Charlie. You have been a good provider to your family and still found time to hunt and fish and collect some great guns, plus you have seen the world. You can look back on your life and be proud of what you have accomplished and what you have done for those who depended on you. Kudos to you sir.
I am sorry for your health problems and wish you the best. I hope you and your wife have a very merry christmas Charlie.

 

[pre6422hornet]

But God willing, I will enjoy many more hunts with family and friends, which will provide many more memories and I will never tire of watching the sun come up over the Africa plains, the mountains in Alaska, or a farm in Nebraska. And the sunsets are not bad either.

Like Dr mike I feel blessed and have few regrets. My daughters have ask me on occasion if I have any regrets and I always tell them the same thing. Only that I cant do it all over again.

Well said Aleena. I will never get tired of watching a sunset comeup on a cool, crisp, November morning, or any morning for that matter!! Actually i better get going, my treestand is calling :grin:

 

[Mortis]

Before I entered Marine Boot.... I made 3 goals I wanted to achieve.

1. To bounce my Grandchildren on my knee. 3X Success.

2. To see the turn of the Century. This post makes that one obvious.

3. To achieve the rank of Sergeant Major or Master Gunnery Sergeant. Well, a bad piece of timed fuse ended that dream. But, I'm alive and intact, and was able to fulfill Items 1 & 2. So can't complain.

I have no other dreams, but to live life full out and enjoy what comes my way.

And if that means hunting and fishing with good friends..... you can bet I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Same to you Aleena, I hope that you and Jerry and your children have a very Merry Christmas.

 

[SJB358]

3. To achieve the rank of Sergeant Major or Master Gunnery Sergeant. Well, a bad piece of timed fuse ended that dream. But, I'm alive and intact, and was able to fulfill Items 1 & 2. So can't complain.

Yeah, that could have put a damper on the other ones for sure! :lol:

 

[Guy Miner]

"Guy,

I ran out of time yesterday, but your post above really hit home with me, as did Dr Mikes post I referred to yesterday. Hunting with Family and friends and running into a cougar. If you saw my post yesterday, I love hunting Cats."

AH, Thanks. I truly love hunting my local Cascade mountains as well as the Columbia Plateau above our mighty Columbia River. I enjoy my occasional hunt far from home, to Wyoming usually, but I'm going to be sticking close to home in 2013 and likely beyond that for a year or two as my wife and I concentrate on attaining a few financial goals. I'll still hunt, I'll just keep it here in Washington where I can hunt without incurring a large expense. Heck, here in Washington with OTC tags, I can hunt: blacktail, whitetail and mule deer, Roosevelt and Rocky Mtn elk, black bear, cougar, bobcat, coyotes, turkey and a wide range of upland birds & waterfowl. Somehow I suspect that's enough to keep me going until I'm too beat up to hunt anymore!

It was funny this year, I sacrificed my Washington mule deer season to hunt with Steven & Storm in Wyoming. Sadly they were during the same week. Even though the Wyoming hunt was very fun and successful, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, I really missed hunting my mountains with my son and my friends. Sort of surprised myself.

All the best, and good luck in all your future hunts & outdoor adventures!

Guy