Eric's First Archery Bull

Eric and Katherine diligently practiced with their bows all summer.  I often scolded Eric because it seemed that every time we went to town he needed to stop at the archery shop for a repair to his equipment.  I don't recall Shannon or Dad ever having so many mishaps and became slightly frustrated with him.  His fortitude paid off this past week, however.

The kids are always spotting for elk and deer in their hunting areas.  Eric had spotted a herd that he thought he'd try to sneak in on.  I didn't think much about it because, well honestly, I really thought the chances were slim.  About an hour after he headed out he called to tell us he'd got a bull.  Shannon came home to go track it.  Over the course of the next two hours Eric suffered the agony and ecstasy of archery hunting.  Apparently at one point during the track when they couldn't find any blood, he was down on his knees with his bow on the verge of tears.  Shannon, having been there in previous years, understood Eric's pain completely!  Shortly thereafter they found the bull which had expired fairly quickly, but hadn't left a lot of sign in the process.  

It is a mighty big accomplishment for a 15-year-old to harvest a bull elk by himself. We will enjoy the meat this winter!

Happy hunting, Eric!

I loved that Kath was just as excited for 

Eric as he was for himself.