Re: The NOW of OLD and YOUNG
George "Pappy" Swan
Today was the opening day of Forest Grouse Hunting Season when old men, accompanied by their old dog (sometimes not so old), take their comfortable old hunting vest and cherished old shotgun and drive the familiar old pickup to the usual old canyon in the mountains and trudge through the favorite old Grouse thickets. However, they're not really concerned if they get old Mr. Grouse or not. They're just intent on losing themselves with their best friend in the old ways and memories of other times. A good thing too. I didn't see a grouse nor fire a shot. But I had a wonderful day so color me happy as in "Happy Pappy." Darby, my Yellow Lab, had a good one also. I swear, once she realized that we were going hunting, she had a smile on her face. September 1 is the harbinger of various hunting seasons every year in Washington State. It is the date that I begin looking forward to the very day after the previous hunting season closed.I
I think the happiness sprang from a day of hunting (something that I really love doing), watching the dog work (something that she really loves doing), and pondering the concept of "OLD." No doubt about it, I am getting OLD. Well, maybe not OLD but OLDER, as in no longer "YOUNG." There are "signs," signs like an occasional stumble, getting tired a little sooner, and aches and pains that never used to be there. But, I believe that OLD is a "relative" term. I used to be YOUNGER than most of my relatives. NOW (there's that concept again), I am OLDER than most of my relatives. And, even though I am OLDER, I am NOW actually happier than when I was YOUNGER because I think that I have developed a deeper fondness and appreciation for my life-long interests. Its not so much of a passion anymore but more of a contentment.
In two weeks, on the weekend of September 18 and 19, it will all come together, both YOUNG and OLD, when I take my grandkids on the Youth Hunting Weekend. That, NOW, annual weekend is one of the greatest concepts developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for the youth of our state to learn and develop a lifelong outdoor activity. Similar to the special free fishing weekend in springtime and the youth deer hunting seasons in October, the Youth Hunting weekend allows only young people under 16 years of age to hunt Upland Game Birds and Waterfowl without adult competition but under non-hunting adult supervision. The kids must have completed Hunter Education training and have a valid Washington State hunting license for small game. I have been an outdoorsman my entire life because my dad took me along and showed me how. I did the same for my daughter and NOW, I am doing the same for my grandkids because I believe that a kid raised to enjoy and respect the outdoors is one less kid on the streets getting into trouble.
George "Happy Pappy" Swan
Pappy's Porch....Hunting and other important stuff..Everything from birds to bulls, kids to pooches. Some things serious some just for fun - so come, settle in on Pappy's Porch and join the good times.
Fishtracks would like to introduce George "Pappy" Swan. This talented gentleman has a long and in-depth history of outdoor experience, both in the area of fish (work) and hunting (for fun).
I hope you enjoy his work as much as we have....
