Way back in 1959 or 1960,  I met another kid who liked many of the same things I did, (mainly hunting) and we became good friends. We were both about 7 years old.

We were together a lot, staying over at each other's house, sneaking out very early in the morning to go scouting for deer at the edge of a small northern Minnesota town. We were also avid fishermen and in the same Cub Scout pack.  It was a great place for a kid to grow up around the lakes and streams of MN.

My dad was one of the early bow hunters around there.  He had a 56# Radtke recurve, quite possibly made by Tim Meigs. Once he took Kendall and I bowhunting  deer with him.  It was a great time, we saw some deer but no shots were attempted.

Unfortunately, both of our families moved away in different directions. I think we saw each other once or twice over the next year, but that was it.

About 60 years later, I discovered TRADGANG after I started bowhunting again with traditional gear.  I started reading threads and totally immersed myself in hunting with recurves and longbows.

Imagine my surprise when one day I saw my old childhood friend  Kendall posting about hunting with a longbow.  I sent him a message and we quickly began catching up on all that had happened over the years.

I invited Kendall to go hunting in Manitoba next year, but that was not an option.  But he said " you should think of coming down to Kentucky and deer hunting with me."

So, this past week Kendall and I spent  time bowhunting, trying to figure out deer patterns and moving stands.  It was great!  We had shooting opportunities but both of us elected to pass up deer in the hopes of finding a big, mature buck to try for.

At one point, as we were putting up a stand I mentioned to Kendall that it was like we picked up right where we left off 60 years ago!  He smiled and said "Deja Vu, I was thinking the same thing!"

To add to all of that, l met Kendall's wife and what a great hostess she was. Wonderful meals everyday were waiting for us when we returned from hunting.  It was a fantastic week that was greatly enhanced by Mary.

Thanks TRADGANG for being the Avenue in which we were able to reunite.

Great story.....nothing like hookin' up with old buddies   

Two fortunate men in that photo.

Possibly the thread of the year.....

 Very cool story!!!

Bisch

Thank you so much for sharing. 

Wow!

Quote from: Sky-chief on November 07, 2021, 12:56:26 AM
Possibly the thread of the year.....

Agreed. X2

I have met many fine folks through Trad Gang. Two in particular is Nathan Killen and Aaron Miller. Great Men, awesome bowhunters and fellow Christians. I am glad you reunited with your old pal Gary. The next picture I see of your buddy, would not surprise me if he was holding a Stickflinger!

That is awesome!

I would say you had a very successful hunt..   I also reconnected with an old friend a few years ago through Trad Gang.

Great story.  Thanks for sharing.

Very cool!!

 

Good thread. 

Funny you should mention that Craig.  One day we were shooting a few arrows and I let Kendall try my stickflinger. He commented "that bow is no slouch".

So great to read. Wow, 60 years! It's funny how things change, but stay the same!
Very happy you were able to get together again.

Awesome.  Good friends are hard to find.  But when you do, they are forever.

That's some cool stuff! Thanks for sharing.

Awesome story!