Family Tradition

[dana]

I think sometimes the 'reasons why we hunt' are lost on this site. Lets see if we can get it back on track. There is a saying that goes 'the family that hunts together stays together'. I tend to agree with that. Since it is the off season, I figured I'd share some of my family photos from over the years. These photos are 'why I hunt'. They are all about the memories. For me it isn't about killing big bucks. Size doesn't matter. Rather it is about hunting hard, enjoying the great outdoors in the best place on earth, having a blast with my family and friends and carrying on the family tradition.

My dad with one of his muleys from the 70's.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/DadsBigMuley.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/DadsBigMuley.jpg.html)

My dad with one of his whiteys from the early 80's
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/DadsWhitey.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/DadsWhitey.jpg.html)

My mom with her first mountain goat.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/img010a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/img010a.jpg.html)

My dad teaching my brother and I
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/img012a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/img012a.jpg.html)

[bigredchev]

awesome pics, proves one thing: you don't need the fanciest Sitka or brand name jacket to hunt beauty bucks: just a sweet plaid jacket and bustin chops.

some of the best times hunting are just walking in the bush with buds

[dana]

My brother backpacking out a muley
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/img028a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/img028a.jpg.html)

My brother backpacking out a whitey
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/img027a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/img027a.jpg.html)

My first bowkill, a starling
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/MyFirstBowkill.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/MyFirstBowkill.jpg.html)

My first muley buck
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/MyFirstMuley.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/MyFirstMuley.jpg.html)

Me taking a rest from packing out a calf elk.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/MyFirstElk.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/MyFirstElk.jpg.html)

[dana]

My dad and my son with my first wolf
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/2007h268.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/2007h268.jpg.html)

My dad and my son with one of my dad's early season muleys
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/HuntingPics403a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/HuntingPics403a.jpg.html)

My dad with my son, my daughter and my 2 nephews and my son's first deer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Sept12104a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/Sept12104a.jpg.html)

My nephew with one of my brother's whiteys.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Sept12119a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/Sept12119a.jpg.html)

My daughter with one of my bears
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/May20063b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/May20063b.jpg.html)

[dana]

My son's first muley buck.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/oct28020a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/oct28020a.jpg.html)

Me packing out my son's first buck.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/oct28026a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/oct28026a.jpg.html)

My son's first mountain goat
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Sept20019a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/Sept20019a.jpg.html)

My son packing out his goat
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Sept20055a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/Sept20055a.jpg.html)

[adriaticum]

Thanks dana, your pics always rock!

[monasheemountainman]

awesome pics! gotta love those times!

[gutpile]

Great pictures there dana , but your wrong about size doesn't matter ! maybe not for you or
for some other people, but for me thats my goal, thats what keeps me going it's not the meat thats for sure.
My wall of shame is nothing to look at but it's the potential of running into a monster that keeps me going .
I may never get a desent trophy but it's the fun of trying.

[dana]

My daughter's first blue grouse.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/October2009044.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/October2009044.jpg.html)

My daughter's first bear
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/May212010012.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/May212010012.jpg.html)

My daughter's first deer.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/PB050279.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/PB050279.jpg.html)

My daughter's first muley buck
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/P9010024.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/P9010024.jpg.html)

[dana]

My daughter glassin for moose
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/2012/October2009011.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/2012/October2009011.jpg.html)

Home Sweet Home
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/2012/Oct13051a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/2012/Oct13051a.jpg.html)

Enjoying a campfire and lunch
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/2012/Dec31021a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/2012/Dec31021a.jpg.html)

My son and I with one of my moose.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/IMG_1149.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/IMG_1149.jpg.html)

My son packing out a moose quarter.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/PC040057.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/PC040057.jpg.html)

[gutpile]

Colour coordinate ?
Your daughter and the reddish -brown bear !

[dana]

Some of my son's many critters
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Codys09Muley015a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/Codys09Muley015a.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Sept6010a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/Sept6010a.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Sept21009a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/Sept21009a.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Codys2009BlackBear013a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/Codys2009BlackBear013a.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/P9090064.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/P9090064.jpg.html)

[dana]

Good times with good friends
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Muley%20Pics/bucklineup2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Muley%20Pics/bucklineup2.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Muley%20Pics/bucklineup1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Muley%20Pics/bucklineup1.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Muley%20Pics/150525_10150315149475005_566330004_15748186_506730 0_n.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Muley%20Pics/150525_10150315149475005_566330004_15748186_506730 0_n.jpg.html)

[dana]

And I'd end this round with one of my dad many years after the first picture posted. He shot this bull in an absolute hell hole and my son and I packed it out for him. Was a pass the torch moment.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/Hunting%20Pics/Oct5044a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/Hunting%20Pics/Oct5044a.jpg.html)

[ghost]

Those pictures you should be proud of,awesome example of a strong family unit,I do believe a family that enjoys outdoor activities together have a strong bond.

[dana]

Great pictures there dana , but your wrong about size doesn't matter ! maybe not for you or
for some other people, but for me thats my goal, thats what keeps me going it's not the meat thats for sure.
My wall of shame is nothing to look at but it's the potential of running into a monster that keeps me going .
I may never get a desent trophy but it's the fun of trying.

Gutpile,
If you can read you'll see that I said 'why I hunt'. I've killed and seen killed, many a big critter over the years. Some that are above and beyond most hunter's dreams. Yet, those hunts pale in comparison to the hunts that I have shared with my family. To me, nothing matches the feeling of watching your kids harvest their first animals. It is also something to be taught the outdoor heritage by your father, pass that on to your kids, and then see the family circle complete when you help your father do something that he physically couldn't do on his own anymore.

[Mathil]

That's a great thing you have there! Having grown up without it my only hope is that someday my own grandchild can post something similar to whatever has become of the Internet.

Kudos! Beautiful family.

[goathead]

awesome.well done and thanks for sharing. memories are forever

[spear]

Great timing on a great post Dana, this is why a lot of us came to HBC in the first place.
As a first generation hunter this is the type of legacy I hope for with my family.

[BiG Boar]

Does your brother still hunt? Those are some great memories for you I'm sure. That's really the only reason I can justify getting a mount on the wall. To remember the time spent with friends. Great post.

[shelg]

Great post!!!

[Wentrot]

Great photos and memories you have there! Did you find it difficult to get the kids into it?

[coach]

Another exceptional and timely thread, Dana. Thanks!

[Salty]

Good stuff dana you're a lucky man to have been taught so much by your old man it must be really rewarding to pass it on

[dana]

Does your brother still hunt? Those are some great memories for you I'm sure. That's really the only reason I can justify getting a mount on the wall. To remember the time spent with friends. Great post.

Yes he still hunts. He's even a member of this site.

[Sitkaspruce]

The reason why I attend this site, posts like this!!!!

All I have to say is thanks Steve. You and others keep this site ticking along with stories of what we all like to do.

Those kids must be getting older and looking at flying the nest one day for school etc. Hope they keep the tradition alive.

Cheers

SS

[Ferenc]

Bet your dad took you out of school alot to go hunting....real cool pics !!!!!! did you do any way up north trips with him.

[dana]

Great photos and memories you have there! Did you find it difficult to get the kids into it?

Not difficult at all. My kids were involved in the outdoors as babies. My son was in on his first deer hunt where I harvested a buck at 3 months of age. As Toddlers and preschoolers, they loved watching Mule deer videos and as well as Lenny the Lumberjack.

[dana]

Bet your dad took you out of school alot to go hunting....real cool pics !!!!!! did you do any way up north trips with him.
We did trips to the Koots to hunt elk. No trips North with him. At one time we were planning a Stone hunt for my high school grad, but we ended up moving that year and things just never worked out. My son grads this year. Would love to do a big trip with him, not sure if it will be in the cards though.

[srupp]

Perfection. Still think the photo of your daughter, with the book....looking for moose is ond of the best yet.

Thanks s

[coach]

Perfection. Still think the photo of your daughter, with the book....looking for moose is ond of the best yet.

Thanks s

ha ha. Yup, that one's awesome. I had to buy the book for my kids after seeing that a few years ago. :-D

[nature girl]

Awesome pictures as always. Only one thing wrong is you need to get your wife into hunting.
That is great that you were taught how to hunt from your Dad. My Dad taught me how to fish. If he was with me when I went hunting he would probably say you are not going to shoot that are you. My dad is a animal lover does not like to see things hurt. But that is alright with me.

[dana]

My wife doesn't want to hunt, but she is very supportive and comes along a lot of times. She will even help with the field dressing and butchering. She just doesn't want to do the killing. Nothing wrong with that.

[604redneck]

Yes he still hunts. He's even a member of this site.
pretty sure i saw him still using the same frame pack until last year lol

[Papa Sasquatch]

Great family memories, thanks for sharing. In my family there seems to be a mental block in regards to pooping in the bushes. I cannot bring any family members with me, so yeah I envy you ... ;^l I am OK on my own but I sure hope the next generation in progress can be open to come in the forest with Grand-Pa for a heck of a great adventure.

[dana]

604,
Hahaha. Back in the early 90's he had a good pack. I borrowed it on a winter backcountry skiing trip and ended up breaking it. Took me till this last year to replace it for him. :)

[kennyj]

Awesome memories and photos Dana! Keep up the good work.
kenny

[frenchbar]

good stuff steve ..gotta love the matching trucker caps you and Andy and Dad have on in pic 4 :wink:

[WKCotts]

Awesome Dana. Thanx for sharing

[dana]

good stuff steve ..gotta love the matching trucker caps you and Andy and Dad have on in pic 4 :wink:

There was never a shortage of Western Star hats and tshirts when dad worked there.

[BCBear]

on track very nice chronology of the kids off the road

[Badlands62]

Steve, I agree. It is all about spending time with family and friends in the great outdoors. It is where we all can get away from all the stress of everyday life. My daughter has taken up hunting and was successful in her first year, she just turned 12. It was a very PROUD moment for me to say the least. I look forward to the days I spend with her out in the field. I look forward to the times we go on our annual hunts, meeting you and your family when we are up there is always a blast.

Thanks for the great pictures and memories you share,

Cheers,
Bill

[604redneck]

604,
Hahaha. Back in the early 90's he had a good pack. I borrowed it on a winter backcountry skiing trip and ended up breaking it. Took me till this last year to replace it for him. :)
Hahaha atleast u replaced it

[Brez]

Dana, you nailed it! This is the reason that I read these forums.

[dana]

Here are some more I just dug up.

A shed hunting trip to the Chilcotin. My son figured we need to pack out all bones, not just sheds.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/F1010015_zpsfbd6b579.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/F1010015_zpsfbd6b579.jpg.html)

A family hike into the highcountry.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/3560430-R1-026-11A_zps7a157994.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/3560430-R1-026-11A_zps7a157994.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/3560480-R1-016-6A_zps281d33f0.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/3560480-R1-016-6A_zps281d33f0.jpg.html)

My old school camera
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/3560440-R1-037-17_zpsec73083d.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/3560440-R1-037-17_zpsec73083d.jpg.html)

[dana]

Glassing sheep in the Chilcotin.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/F1010012_zps60cfcebd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/F1010012_zps60cfcebd.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/F1010017_zps30a06384.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/F1010017_zps30a06384.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/F1010020_zps1aa27151.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/F1010020_zps1aa27151.jpg.html)

[dana]

Glassing for highcountry muleys.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/0414398-R1-027-12_zps3639a9bf.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/0414398-R1-027-12_zps3639a9bf.jpg.html)

Glassing for moose again.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/06280019_zpsff4cdc0b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/06280019_zpsff4cdc0b.jpg.html)

Early season whitetail
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/06250001_zpscbbda85c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/06250001_zpscbbda85c.jpg.html)

On top of the world
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/06250016_zps54feac93.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/06250016_zps54feac93.jpg.html)

Spring bear home sweet home
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/01770020_zps6054baaa.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/01770020_zps6054baaa.jpg.html)

[dana]

More good times with good friends
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/08630012_zps41005c5a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/08630012_zps41005c5a.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/9747330-R1-013-5_zpsc01a61a2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/9747330-R1-013-5_zpsc01a61a2.jpg.html)

This one kind of reminds me of a Zach Brown song. Ass in the sand, glassin goats.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/0597299-R2-033-15_zps96df3a88.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/0597299-R2-033-15_zps96df3a88.jpg.html)

Another one in the sand. A trip with my mom and dad to the Chilcotin.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/BCBOY/0269689-R1-014-5A_zps5884cd8e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BCBOY/media/0269689-R1-014-5A_zps5884cd8e.jpg.html)

[s0ylentgreen]

cant believe how awesome those pics are

quite a rich life you have with your family

very nice

[gcreek]

Thanks for the pics and stories Dana.

Be going by your house in a couple weeks, maybe we can have coffee somewhere.

[dana]

Thanks for the pics and stories Dana.

Be going by your house in a couple weeks, maybe we can have coffee somewhere.

Sure could do that. Depends on when you are going by. If it is a weekday, it would have to be evening coffee but if it is a weekend, can be anytime. Send me a PM when you are planning on coming through.

[xfactor]

Great photos Dana, thanks for sharing. Looks like a close family unit you have. Many could learn from that, myself included.

Well done!

[biggyun68]

awesome pictures I agree with spear I am a first generation hunter who's kids are just starting... You are a wealthy man Dana!

[Farmer]

Excellent pictures. It is awesome that your family has been able to get out with you so much. Thank you for posting.