Time with my nephews

[DavOh]

Ya know, having been raised outside and having grown up with a Dad who was willing to teach me and guide me in all kinds of outdoor activities... I had one of those special days with my sisters three boys, one 5 y/o and two 8 y/o. My sister's ex husband bought his boys a bb gun a few months ago, but wouldnt teach them how to use it. Not much of one, it's a red-rider knock off. Cheapness in this case is by no means the measure of value as the boys and I spent 3-4 hours and a few hundred bbs in my sisters backyard plinking and spending great quality time together having fun.

I've always enjoyed teaching people and introducing people to the outdoor lifestyle. But spending time with these boys really tickled me pink. I'm especially proud of the way the older boys behaved in regards to safety. The younger boy needed reminding from time to time, but they all did fairly well for city kids who'd never seen more than a nerf gun before. And the fact that they were all responsive and listened well enough that they were hitting coke cans in no time. It may not sound like much, but considering their experience with guns its a good sing of times to come. Michael has already expressed intrerest in going hunting with me this year. :grin:

Days like yesterday make spending the workweek behind a desk bearable untill next hunting season!  :grin:

[marylandeer]

DavOh, that's a great thing you did you for them boys. They will never forget that day. Even if they never go hunting which they probably will, they'll never forget it. You very well may have just created your three best hunting buddies.

[HuntingGuy]

Great story, thanks for sharing the outdoors!  

[victorcharlie]

Don't be to hard on the divorced dad.......life changed for him too......he bought the boys the gun and probably would give anything to trade places with you.

No matter, your going to be a favorite uncle, just wait and see.  

I don't see any greater reward, nor know of a greater pleasure, than helping a child.   Sounds like you've got a hunting partner.......!!!!! :grin:

[drdougrx]

Great story!

Taking my 15yo nephew hog hunting in November.  His first big game hunt, just he and me!  My sister is already filling his head with the, "if you can't kill it, it's OK, you can still be a man without killing."  

I told her to lighten up.  This hunt is about being in the woods, with guys and making decisions.  If he can't shoot...so be it.  He'll also learn that he won't be judged, at least by me.  He's a good kid....he'll shoot.

[DavOh]

I didnt mean to come down on divorced dads but... Most divorced parents are victims(or participants) in unfortunate circumstances.

THAT DOES NOT APPLY HERE. there are no words strong enough that are acceptable for this forum to describe Michael and Jacob's dad. He's a dead beat who only sees his kids once a year(only then for a few hours at a time and only when my sister has other plans). To keep from paying childsupport he quit his 48K a yr route sales job and got a minimum wage job in Alpine Tx (12-13 hr drive).

He did it to specifically ostrasize my sister's step son(by telling his boys that Alex was not allowed to use it.). And to Piss my sister off. She'd been telling me no(I wanted to get them one for Christmas) for a long time. Mike knew that. I wont get into details, but in no way is he EVER welcome near anyone else in my family accept his sons(only then by court order). He's too chickin $#!+ to come near us cause ne knows he's got a @$$ kicking coming to him from all he did to my sister. I seriously doubt that ANYONE on this forum would feel differently when privy to the gory details.

I apologize this shouldn't be a tirade about that but I felt I couldnt let someone see a silver lining to someone when all they are is a BIG BROWN TURD. There is no silver lining around DOGCRAP. There is no excusing his actions, no giving this bastard the benefit of the doubt.

 :x

**someone mysteriously jerks soapbox out from under Davoh**

The closest thing to a silver lining are the boys. At least my sister understand the need for gun safety and gives me a blank check when it comes to instructing them. My brother on the other hand encourages his 3 year old to shoot their dog with his kiddie-soft-plastic-bullet-toy-gun. What do you think he's going to do when he gets his hands on a bb gun?!? Uh oh, I feel a soap box coming on... I better shut up and go eat some supper.

 

[DavOh]

Great story!

Taking my 15yo nephew hog hunting in November.  His first big game hunt, just he and me!  My sister is already filling his head with the, "if you can't kill it, it's OK, you can still be a man without killing."  

I told her to lighten up.  This hunt is about being in the woods, with guys and making decisions.  If he can't shoot...so be it.  He'll also learn that he won't be judged, at least by me.  He's a good kid....he'll shoot.

Yeah my Mom was giving me the same spiel the night I killed my first deer. Actually while I was aiming at the deer!  

It did take me 2 seasons to pull the trigger though!

There is nothing like seeing a kids face light up when he hits that coke can for the first time. I'd be willing to bet its the same with hunting. Can't wait to get Michael out to the Ranch with me. Alex was ok with the shooting untill he aimed(not just pointed, AIMED) the bb gun at me while i was setting up the coke cans and I verbally ripped him a new one.  Jacob's still too young to really grasp the concept, but Michael's coming over to my house to watch hunting shows this weekend to give him a taste. I'm excited.

 :grin:

[victorcharlie]

Sorry Dave, guess I was hoping.......divorce can be a real messy situation.  Your right, the silver lining is the boys, and it sounds like they've got a good uncle to look after them.  His loss, your gain.  Enjoy them boys, and help them all you can.