Family Traditions

Hopefully, every family creates their own family traditions. Some are annual vacations, charity events, bike rides, fishing trips, reunions etc. They are all good, they foster family ties, create memories and of course promote family tradition.

Growing up our tradition was deer hunting. Ask my sister Susie, recently she told me about her experience with Grandpa Gus deer hunting. It didn't stick with her, I don't think she has been back! But its a memory she hasn't forgotten in 50+ years!

My memories of my Grandfather are about deer hunting. He took me when I was 5. My Dad wounded a deer and went after it and we waited in the jeep. It was the start continuation of a tradition they had. How far back it went I don't know, but I'm glad someone started it.

Deer hunting was my Dad's only regularly scheduled vacation. 3-5 days in Southern Utah every October. The 3rd Sat to be exact. Kenny, Alex, Dallas, Ralph, Kenny David; the usual suspects.  I was always the kid, camp gofer. Everything from firewood to bartender.  Chief hunter too. By the time I was 16 and could hunt, the adults were more interested in playing gin rummy and drinking expensive scotch than hunting so I got to hunt alot!

I've tried to carry on the tradition with my kids. Some more successfully than others! 4 of the 5 have hunted with me, 3 of them have killed deer. I only hope as my grand kids get older, we can keep the tradition. Id like to see the 5th generation create more McClintock memories.

Thanks Gus, whenever I look at "Bessie" I think of that day 53 years ago.