As mentioned on several other threads, Garry and his crew at Wild Country Guide Service were top notch and couldn't have made our experience any better. My youngest step son, Gavin, (14 yrs old) was invited to come out and try his luck at a doe. This was Gavin's first hunt, since I have spent most of my time with his older brothers (who just happened to turn 16 before this opportunity came up). Needless to say they were jealous and happy for little brother. Gavin's Biological Dad was along for the experience as well and it was his first hunt experience too. He was very impressed and has already mentioned he may hunt next year.
1st morning Gavin and Josiah (success on another thread) were led by Garry down the road for our first hunt. Pheasants were making a ton of noise in the grass fields all around us, and as we walked in the first light, we had a hen fly right past us. We came in late the night before and as the morning came to full light it revealed truly beautiful country. Perfect hunting grounds for all manner of critters. We almost stepped on a baby porky in the road, pointed out by Garry as one of the local animals that they enjoy watching often, but wasn't one of the big boys that had been given a name. Right after that (less than ten minutes into the hunt) Garry points out a few does and asks us dads to hang back while he grabs the boys for a stalk. As I stood there, I was actually hoping that Gavin would not get a deer quite so easily and would have the opportunity for a bit more hunting before closing the deal. A short while later Garry waves us to come on down. It turns out Gavin was up to bat, and was about 5 seconds away from a shot opportunity, but the deer didn't want to cooperate.
The wind was going pretty hard and didn't see much the rest of the morning. We headed back for breakfast and mingled with the other kids and parents. Truly felt like we were hanging with old friends, and I believe it was due to the hospitality and professionalism of WCGS family and staff.
The evening hunt came all too soon and we were to hunt a field across from some timber and in front of some wild roses. Accompanying us was the cameraman Nick. After a few hours it started to get dark and the deer we had fleeting glimpses of at the tree line, decided to come down across the field. Gavin was ready and needed little guidance, he closed the deal on his first doe just before dark, and is already looking forward to his next hunt. I am a proud Dad.
I am very thankful, as this hunt gave my son a chance to gain some experience and connect with kids his own age and hunting experience level. It also gave him an opportunity to see how the guides conducted themselves.
Great thanks to Garry and Christina and WCGS.
BTW sorry if the picts are rough (Time to get a better camera)
