Found out this morning that I lost my hunting pard in a motorcycle accident last night.  He was 42.  He left behind 5 children and a beautiful and loving wife.  I'm posting this here becuase only fellow hunters understand the bond between lifelong hunting partners.  I met this fine gentleman when I was 12 years old  and we have tormented all living creatures (fur/fin/feather with rod/rifle/stick & string)from Hastings to Escanaba over the past 30 years. I am, quite simply, crushed.

The bond that we have with our hunting pards is based on the simplest of things, and that is why the bond is so strong.  Its based on things we understand and hold most dear.  All morning the memories have just been streaming...first bow kills, deer camps, trout streams, favorite dogs, favorite bows, rifles, fly rods, trucks, falling out of trucks, smashing trucks, trap lines, freezing cold, Red Man, getting stuck, favorite blinds, processing deer, meals of venison, fresh brook trout, and deer heart sandwiches.

Do yourself a favor.  If you have a buddy that you haven't talked to in awhile, pick up the phone and give him/her a call, then go hunting.  Every day is a gift!!  No regrets.

My by-line is a quote from my hunting pard.  I guess now he knows if there are whitetails and brookies in heaven.  Just in case, I'm going to leave a few dry flies and some cartridges under a log where Eli Creek meets the Ford River. Because to him, that's where heaven is, and I've got a feeling he'll be needing them.

Best regards and have a safe hunting season.

very sad to hear that Scott. That's terrible
all the best to his Family and yourself

So sorry to hear about your loss. His days now are no longer in pain or despair. I will say a prayer for you and his family. May GOD ease your pain in this time of hardship.

Chad

prayers sent

im very sorry to hear that, i have not ever had to feel the pain of loosing a hunting partner but there are some whom i havnt talked to recently enough. im gonna make a phone call now. prayers to you and his family friend.
-cory

My prayers with his family and his friends.

Death can't break a bond like that. Enjoy your time with him afield. You might not be able to see him, but he will always be along for the ride as long as you carry on the tradition. Send his family our blessings and prayers.

Brent

You and his family are in my prayers.
Lost mine several years ago to Lou Gerigs.  The first year it was all I could do to pick a bow and go to the woods....but he fussed at me....he'd been in the woods, anyway...would of hated to go alone, but he would've went.  I still find myself making the perfect stalk, or release the perfect shaft, and turn to see if he saw.  Well he still there, in spirit, and I surely miss him.
I know your loss, and my heart aches for you.  Keep him in your heart, 'cause he'll be there with you.
Johnny/JAG

ALL the Best to his Family.
Now you will know, who it is; when you feel the wind talking to you.
Now, every time I watch, Escanaba in da Moonlight, I'll have the two of you in mind.

That's awfull Scott, all the best to his family...Glenn...

Scott,
Sorry for your physical loss, may he always be "with you"! I hope for the best in this trying time for you, his family and friends.

Sorry for the loss, prayers to you and his family.

Scott, sorry for your loss.

>>>>------------->

My deepest condolences to you, your family and his family. Take care.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and his family. Is there a site to send donations to his kids?

My condolences to you ....prayers sent

I am praying for your friend and his family.  I'm so sorry.

Sorry Brother, Always remember those good times.

Sorry to hear that.  A good hunting partner and friend is hard to find.