Our Last Hunt Together

recoil junky · October 22, 2007, 11:40:51 AM

Mike and I have only been friends for 6 years now but in that short time we've been hunting and snowmobiling to gether alot and last January when he found out he had lung cancer he asked me if I would take his son Zach hunting if he wasn't around to do it. Well you should know me well enough by now what my response would be.

Mike is on the fast downhill slide of this diesease and is only expected to live for maybe another month, so this last hunt was bitter sweet. A good begining for Zach and I, but a hard, sad goodbye to my dear friend. The night before this hunt, Mike called me on my cell phone which happened to be in my lunch box at the time asking me to call him. I did so as soon as I got his message and Zach answered the phone and he told me Mike wasn't sure he'd be able to go hunting because he just got back from radiation treatment and felt, well, like poop. Now knowing Mike like I do he'd do every thing in his power to be there and sure enough, the next morning there he was as ugly as ever.

Due to the advance of Mike's cancer he can't eat alot so he didn't eat breakfast with us and opted to not be in the picture.

That's Zach, Mike's wife Deb and Granpa Pete closest to you.

I didn't have the oportunity for herd pictures this time as we were into elk almost immediately and I had to give my undivided attention to driving and getting Zach a good shot. Zach and I did go on a short hike to get him a good shot at a nice 5X5 but with the wind blowing 30 mph+ and the distance Zach was unable to connect. We did catch the same herd about 1/2 hour later and Zach got this nice 4X4 with one shot from Mike's pre64 model 70 30-06. Yes, the boy can SHOOT!!! 325 yards, elk at a walk, right in the boiler room. He might have led him another foot or so because the hit was just in front of the diaphragm and clipped both lungs.

Here's Mike and Zach and the elk. This is Zach's first bull. I'm kinda glad he got a small one so he'll have an oportunity at a bigger one. The 5 point he first shot at was a pretty big bull. Not that he's not proud of this one. Zach was kind of bummed because it took a while for the bull do expire but where he was hit he didn't last but a few seconds.

Here's Zach and me

Mike's reaction

to this:biggthumpup:

Zach did a bangup job with the gutting. It's funny how fast news got out of Zach's elk because soon it seemed the whole mine was there with a mine crew-cab to load the elk in and haul it back to Mike's truck.

Our thanks to the guys who helped so I didn't have to put the elk in the back of my Expedition!!!

Oh yeah, so the other Hunting Buddies don't get left out. They both got fine animals themselves but much sooner than Zach, so I was unable to get pictures of them to post here.

RJ

M. R. Byrd · October 22, 2007, 01:57:06 PM

RJ-

Awesome! Thanks for the pics and the story.

Congratulations to Zach and to Mike and Deb and Grandpa Pete also.

RJ, it is a fine thing you have done for your friends.

God Bless,

Maynard Reece

davidlt89 · October 22, 2007, 04:41:35 PM

Great story and great pictures. I am glad you got mike out there and he could see the fruits of his boys labor. that is awsome, God bless.

RatherBHuntin · October 22, 2007, 04:54:15 PM

I wouldn't know, but I bet there's not much better than being elbow deep in elk! I don't know Mike, but I sure am happy he got to see his boy putting meat on the table, that I do know is something I don't have the words to describe.

Gmoney · October 22, 2007, 05:37:58 PM

Good on you RJ....

Paul Hoskins · October 22, 2007, 06:10:43 PM

RJ, that's just great. There is nothing like good friends when it comes to hunting. Good to see the kid got an elk too. That's what it's all about to me. It's sad it happened under the circumstances. My best to everyone. ...........Paul H

Hunterbug · October 22, 2007, 10:05:42 PM

Good for Zach! I'm glad that his dad could be there for it too. You didn't tell them about the mulie that you guys saw.

Antler3 · October 25, 2007, 06:27:49 PM

Good story. Glad the boy got his elk and his Dad was there to see. So sad about the circumstances I'm glad you done what you done. Good on you. That boy is hooked now I hope there will be future hunts. God Bless you all and prayers to Mike and his family.

recoil junky · October 26, 2007, 08:31:49 PM

I stopped in to see Mike after I got my elk hauled out today. It's not very fun to go see him but it means alot to him and his family. He still gives me **** and I give it right back. His time is short and I want to make it good for him. He asked me if I was taking Zach deer hunting tomorrow (Sat !0-27). I didn't think he'd remember, what with all the morphine he's on now. And Zach still wants to go, so we'll be hiking through the tall grass in the morning. I think Zach needs the distraction from all that's going on right now. I know it will help me some.

He's only got a few days now.

Semper Fi Mike

RJ

Hunterbug · October 26, 2007, 11:04:42 PM

Give Mike and Zach our regards. I'm glad to hear that you got an elk and won't starve this winter.

Paul Hoskins · October 27, 2007, 01:37:40 AM

RJ, as a kid in the mountains of SE Ky., I learned at a very early age that death, like birth is a part of life and living. Both are something that happens every day and and we must accept it as something inevitiable. Even after death, life goes on in memories if nothing else. Many of my friends had to leave too early. One asked me to pour a half pint of whiskey on his grave from time to time if he left before I did. I asked if it was ok if I ran it through my kidneys first? His answer, " Sure, no sense wasting good whiskey." That's how true friends are. ............My thoughts and prayers be with all concerned. ......Paul H

Antler3 · October 27, 2007, 05:10:41 AM

God Bless you for doing what you are. Know it must be a really difficult time for you and Zach and family. Good that Mike can count on someone like you in this time. I feel like he is getting great comfort knowing you are with Zach and he's hunting. Your doing a great thing here, and I admire you for it.

recoil junky · October 29, 2007, 07:13:29 AM

Mike passed away yesterday morning at 10:30. Zach called me and I spent yesterday with them, calling friends and doing little things around to help out.

We sat together and told "stories" about Mike, remembering the way he made people laugh and played practical jokes on everybody. no one was safe from his brand of humor.

Mike will be missed by all who knew him and called him "friend".

Semper Fi Mike

RJ

Hunterbug · October 29, 2007, 11:02:38 AM

I'm sorry to hear that. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Alboy · October 29, 2007, 05:07:27 PM

I know you will always be glad you got in that last good time together.Whats more your time with his son is a great reward, probaly more for you than even him.

Bless you.