dcopas78
Well-known member
Well in a way today has been the best of days and the worst of days.
Earlier today, my last 40 acres of private land access for whitetail hunting disappeared, today being the day before the opener. Apparently the land owner is intent on getting the big buck I posted pictures of a few months ago and decided that he no longer wanted dad and I to hunt any of his land. It is land I grew up having free range on, over 500 acres that I know like the back of my hand, and that I have hunted my whole life. It is a disappointment, especially since we have mowed, kept trespassers at bay and whatnot for the last few years. But, it is his land and he has a right to do as he chooses. I don't really blame him considering how large some of the deer are running the farm.
Here comes the conflicting part:
Dad basically met the landowner about 8-9 years ago when he showed up wanting to buy land in the area. Dad suggested that he get in touch with the previous owner, a deal was struck and he was the new land owner. Dad and he have became good friends. Needless to say, the fella has plenty of spending money. He's actually a multi-millionaire and owns many businesses and other properties, but a real down to earth type guy.
As he was telling dad that we could no longer hunt this land, he made an astounding jester of friendship to dad. We have never been wealthy, but we manage to take a trip every year, DIY style partly because it is what we can afford. Anyways, this guy has offered to lease a neighboring property (about 95 acres) for dad and I to hunt, and that we could do as we please (food plots and such) on.
He also wants dad to get an elk because he knows we have hunted hard the last few years (Montana/New Mexico) without being able to seal the deal on an elk for dad. He has offered to pay for me and dad to go on a guided New Mexico elk hunt.....literal mind-blowing type of situation when I heard this come out of dad's mouth.
Herein lies the rub:
I have always dreamed of dad and I harvesting our bulls through the sweat of our own brow. It comes down to not being given anything in my life and not knowing how to handle this I think. I know that this, although not a guarantee, is the closest thing to being a sure bet to getting dad his elk that I've seen. I'm conflicted....I wanted it to be something dad and I accomplished, but at 71, I know dad isn't going to have too many years of DIY style hunting left. I'm thinking of just letting him pay for dads and me just tagging along to be with dad as he hopefully pulls the trigger on his first bull. Am I crazy for not wanting the guided hunt for myself? I have nothing against a guided hunt, but it just isn't how I envisioned ever bagging a bull for myself. Should I suck up the public-land, DIY pride and just do it?
Earlier today, my last 40 acres of private land access for whitetail hunting disappeared, today being the day before the opener. Apparently the land owner is intent on getting the big buck I posted pictures of a few months ago and decided that he no longer wanted dad and I to hunt any of his land. It is land I grew up having free range on, over 500 acres that I know like the back of my hand, and that I have hunted my whole life. It is a disappointment, especially since we have mowed, kept trespassers at bay and whatnot for the last few years. But, it is his land and he has a right to do as he chooses. I don't really blame him considering how large some of the deer are running the farm.
Here comes the conflicting part:
Dad basically met the landowner about 8-9 years ago when he showed up wanting to buy land in the area. Dad suggested that he get in touch with the previous owner, a deal was struck and he was the new land owner. Dad and he have became good friends. Needless to say, the fella has plenty of spending money. He's actually a multi-millionaire and owns many businesses and other properties, but a real down to earth type guy.
As he was telling dad that we could no longer hunt this land, he made an astounding jester of friendship to dad. We have never been wealthy, but we manage to take a trip every year, DIY style partly because it is what we can afford. Anyways, this guy has offered to lease a neighboring property (about 95 acres) for dad and I to hunt, and that we could do as we please (food plots and such) on.
He also wants dad to get an elk because he knows we have hunted hard the last few years (Montana/New Mexico) without being able to seal the deal on an elk for dad. He has offered to pay for me and dad to go on a guided New Mexico elk hunt.....literal mind-blowing type of situation when I heard this come out of dad's mouth.
Herein lies the rub:
I have always dreamed of dad and I harvesting our bulls through the sweat of our own brow. It comes down to not being given anything in my life and not knowing how to handle this I think. I know that this, although not a guarantee, is the closest thing to being a sure bet to getting dad his elk that I've seen. I'm conflicted....I wanted it to be something dad and I accomplished, but at 71, I know dad isn't going to have too many years of DIY style hunting left. I'm thinking of just letting him pay for dads and me just tagging along to be with dad as he hopefully pulls the trigger on his first bull. Am I crazy for not wanting the guided hunt for myself? I have nothing against a guided hunt, but it just isn't how I envisioned ever bagging a bull for myself. Should I suck up the public-land, DIY pride and just do it?
