My fathers old hunting rifle.....

[Teknys]

My dad decided that his hunting career is now done. In his mid 70's but knees don't work like they used too. I've had him out a couple of times these last few years with my wheeler and he did fill a cow tag last year. He gave me his muzzleloader and rifles.
The one rifle I remember as a kid is his 264 Win Mag in a Rem 700 ADL purchased I believe in 1969 in Texas. In 1982 I bought a Vari-X II 3x9x40 which it still has on it today. The knobs haven't been touched since I adjusted them about 15 years ago and I'm afraid to touch them now. The gun is in great condition. I think I will leave it just as it is and take it out for a deer hunt every now and then.
Maybe I can talk him into another hunt yet ... We'll see.

 

[DrMike]

Sorry to hear that advancing age has taken such a toll on your dad, Teknys. I do understand, however. By all means, I hope he is able to accompany you on another hunt or two. It will honour him, no doubt, for you to use the rifle and scope. It will sure bring some rich memories to you, I'll wager.

 

[Kodiak]

Yes, it will honor your dad to carry his rifles afield. When he sees you carrying one, he will remember a special time when he used it. That's what us old guys do.

As time goes by, we hunters hope to get in another hunting season each year.

I'll be 80 in July,

 

[Guy Miner]

It's important to honor our fathers, carrying on the hunting & fishing, and perhaps try to get them afield as much as possible.

As our fathers age, they may not be able to cover ground like they could, but they can still get out there and enjoy!

Good for you - carrying on his tradition, with his rifle! Outstanding!

Guy

 

[PJGunner]

I second all the above comments. My dad and grandfather never hunted but I do have my Great-grandfather's old M94 30-30 carbine. I haven't hunted that one in years much to my shame.
I was going to do one last elk hunt this year as at 77 with one bad knee and the authored starting to go, I'm afraid my hunting days are coming to a quick end. One that last elk hunt, it's scheduled to start on December 30, just three days from now and that blankety-blank winter storm Goliath is making the trip a bit dangerous in just getting there. My hunting partner made it there a couple of days ago just beating the storm by a hair. Says it's very nasty right now. Thinking after about one more check with New Mexico state police, I might try and make Albuquerque by tonight and Raton tomorrow. If not will go all the way come hell or high water on Tuesday. Been planning this one for far too long to not at least try and get there. Truck's been packed and ready to go for two days now.
Paul B.

 

[DrMike]

Good luck on your trip, Paul. And good luck on your hunt. I do know how much these hunts mean to us as we grow older. I pray for safety for you and success in the hunt.

 

[SJB358]

Good luck Paul! Godspeed buddy and all the luck I can pass your way. Scotty

 

[cloverleaf]

All the best to you and your father. Hadnt thought of this in years....When I was in college, I had an opportunity to go along on a deer hunting trip with my Dad, an Uncle, a cousin and both my Grandfathers....all together. I was playing ball at the time and my coach (Who was at one time a mentor) got it in his head that if I did not play in a particular game (scheduled the same weekend) he would bench me for the next game - or the rest of the season I don't remember which. He proceeded to preach at me about my responsibilities to the team etc. Now understand, I was second, second string, I was no loss. He was surprised and a bit put out when I told him I'd be on the way back to SD that weekend. When I returned, he asked if I had shot a deer, I told him no. He said, "now don't you think you should have been here?" I remember it was easy to say "no, I might not get another chance to hunt with Grandpa". I was right. I don't remember anything else noteworthy about that expedition, other than we were all their. I remember that one of my Grandfathers did not carry a rifle or have a tag. It was still enjoyable to have him along. Your Dad may find that its OK to be along as well. I hope so. CL

PS- It is also nice that your Dad offered to let you use his rifle. Mine was one of the most selfless people I have ever met, but his rifle was HIS rifle. He let the pastor of our church borrow it once, but that was it. I don't think I have ever actually shot it. Its been in Dads the safe for 2.5 years, since he passed away. Mom wanted to sell it, which I talked her out of, but for whatever reason it will not go to me. A nice testament to how he feels about you.CL

 

[Bbear]

Hunt with your Dad as much as you can. He won't be around forever! I miss my very best hunting partner (Dad) every time I go out or even THINK of going out.
That your Dad passed his rifle on to you shows his passion and knowledge that you are the best keeper of it's history and pass along the heritage.

My Dad dove hunted 2 months before he passed away. I had to help him out to the field and set him up. he shot about a box and half and got about half a dozen birds. He loved hunting and he loved hunting with me. As much as I loved hunting with him.

 

[PJGunner]

A little late but we left for Raton on the 28th and thank God the roads were clean and green all the way.Made it to the motel by 8PM that day. Next day my partner and I went to the NRA's Whittington Center to check our rifles. Mr. Lucky, my .35 Whelen was on the money. The 30-06 and .270 I brought as back ups both needed some slight adjustments.
Next day wake up was 4:30 AM and me meet with the guides to handle paperwork and listen to the guides rules. We were a group of four with my hunting partner of the last four years doing this hunt and a father/son deal who were invited to join us. They went in one truck and my partner and I went in the second truck. At 7:15 AM my partner had his elk down. Exactly one hour later at 8:15 my animal was down. Mr. Lucky strikes again. The father son team had their animals down in about the same time frame. After that the meat went to the butcher shop to hang for 24 hours, be processed and frozen for the trip home.
During the hunt, my partner and I both said this would be our last hunt. While at the butcher's we both booked for next year. I'll be 78 if I'm still above ground. :roll:
Just another good hunt for us. Coming home it was starting to spit snow but other than that the roads were again, clean and green. I do believe the Man upstairs was looking out for us on that trip.
Paul B.

 

[DrMike]

Glad to hear the good report. Looking forward to next year for you!

 

[SJB358]

Great report Paul. Give us the details of the Whelen striking down another elk.