Published: November 24, 2007 03:58 pm            

MARTINO: Conversation with son still a special memory

Taking deer is much more than just the ‘killing.’

“I’ll never forget the discussion you had with your youngest son about the right reason to hunt,” said Mike Newton, as we talked about the large number of children who would be taking part in this year’s deer hunting season.

“That’s something you should write about every year so maybe other people can benefit from it,” he added.

Here’s a portion of the conversation Newton was referring to.

It was 2004 and only two days before the big show when Anthony, then 13, popped the big question. “Do you think we’re gonna kill something this weekend, Dad?” he asked with giddy excitement.

At first, his question irritated me by the way he asked it. He knew it too by my wrinkled brow and delayed response. After carefully choosing my words I began to explain the right reason to hunt.

“The word “kill” is one of those words people tend to use pretty lightly,” I began to explain. “But it is a very strong word with a powerful meaning. I am sure if you look it up in the dictionary you will find some fancy definition, but in simple terms, “kill” means to end the life of another living creature.

“Killing any type of wild animal is a sacred act,” I continued, “especially when it’s an animal as beautiful as a whitetail deer, or even a rabbit or pheasant for that matter. First off, there must be respect for the animal itself. Next, there is a deep responsibility to make sure you take that animal as cleanly and humanely as

possible … you know what I mean?” I asked, making sure he was listening.

“Yes I do,” he replied with a serious look.

“In today’s age it’s sad that killing has taken on a whole different meaning. With crime being like it is, you have thugs and gangs killing each other in the streets, kids shooting other kids in schools and disgruntled employees shooting co-workers. To some people life is cheap and killing has become as common as eating lunch. But life isn’t cheap and even hunting should be considered a sacred act.

“When a person takes a deer, as I hope you do, a lot of baggage comes with it. I think taking a deer’s life helps a person come to grips with his own mortality and helps reinforce how precious life really is,” I went on to say. “If you respect, utilize and consume the animal, like the Indians did, the act is not only necessary, but becomes more than justified. This is what ethical hunting is about.

“But if a person gets enjoyment from watching something die or doesn’t utilize the animal himself, then the act becomes a sin against nature and a sin against yourself,” I explained.

“The real truth is that all life on earth survives by eating other forms of life. That’s the way it’s always been and that’s the way it will always be. The existence of everything on this earth is a continuous cycle of life and death.”

“OK Dad,” he quickly interrupted, “but what about the Commandment that says, ‘Thou shall not kill?’ he asked; which I personally thought was an awesome question.

“I guess you could take that to mean a person should never take the life of another human being,” I reasoned, “but that’s one of the things that seem to have gone by the wayside these days. Fortunately, you were brought up to know the difference between right and wrong and to respect all living things.

“I’m sorry son,” I said, after catching myself. “I didn’t mean to start preaching but some of this stuff is really important and I want to teach you the best way I know how. Now, to finally answer your question … yes, I do think you’re going to kill something this weekend.”

On the season opener, as luck would have it, Anthony succeeded in taking a beautiful 11-point buck that dressed out at 215 pounds. Walking up to the downed animal I watched as he stared intently into the buck’s glazed eyes. He stood silently for a moment then looked up towards the cloud laden sky. “Thank you God!” was all he said, as he held the buck’s antlers. But then again, that was enough.

Hunting results

For many sportsmen and women, the opening week of the regular firearms deer hunting season is a celebrated event. Many not only encountered success, but have made memories that will endure a lifetime. Whether it was taking that record book buck or watching your children collect their first deer, the hunting season can be special in many ways.

Although I try to recognize successful hunters during the archery season, this becomes nearly impossible during the firearms season as literally hundreds find it necessary to visit our area’s check-in stations. So, during the firearms segment, I will recognize those hunters who collect deer sporting field-dressed weights of 160 pounds and above. But to all those who have seen success, congratulations!

This information which includes county of harvest is made possible through the help of Bryant’s Outdoor Store, Burlington Locker, Full-Draw Archery, Jack’s Tackle Center and Simpson’s Deer Processing.

Carroll County: Mike Hale, 185-pound, nine-point buck; Chris Hunt, 200-pound, nine-point buck; Cyle Duke, 190-pound, 10-point buck.

Cass County: Ryan Elson, 170-pound, 10-point buck; Casey Ventura, 160-pound, seven-point buck; Jeremy Gilbert, 170-pound, eight-point buck; Richard Fowler, 186-pound, eight-point buck; Fred Bolinger, 170-pound, 10-point buck; Mike Turner, 175-pound, 13-point buck; Bill Crim, 170-pound, nine-point buck.

Clinton County: James Huston, 243-pound, eight-point buck.

Fulton County: Aaron Ault, 200-pound, 19-point buck; Steve Nunnally, 216-pound, seven-point buck.

Howard County: Darrell Sears, 160-pound, five-point buck; Chris Hunt, 170-pound, eight-point buck; Cody Hunt, 175-pound, eight-point buck; Jeff Mosier, 160-pound, seven-point buck; Don Hochstedler, 165-pound, nine-point buck; Josh Walden, 160-pound, eight-point buck; Bob Bales, 173-pound, eight-point buck; Paul Sorenson, 175-pound, eight-point buck; Jason Alexander, 190-pound, 10-point buck; Tony Newton, 160-pound, nine-point buck; Clint Bontrager, 200-pound, 10-point buck; Brett Boone, 180-pound, 11-point buck; Jason Renbarger, 200-pound, nine-point buck; Tom Stevens, 181-pound, eight-point buck; Adam Waddell, 190-pound, 10-point buck; James Mulkey, 175-pound, 12-point buck; Chris Miller, 200-pound, 10-point buck; Bob Stevens, 225-pound, 11-point buck.

Jackson County: Shawn Sears, 165-pound, 12-point buck.

Miami County: Darren Metz, 165-pound, six-point buck; Robert Rehling, 178-pound, eight-point buck; Jake Griffey, 180-pound, eight-point buck; Randy Whitacre, 180-pound, 11-point buck; Bryce Rainey, 183-pound, nine-point buck; Hershel Conyers, 168-pound, seven-point buck; Mike Hawk, 172-pound, eight-point buck; Steve Wright, 210-pound, eight-point buck; Matt Wohlford, 170-pound, 10-point buck; Evan Vonuhl, 170-pound, eight-point buck; Melinda Ray, 187-pound, 10-point buck; Nick Cavazos, 170-pound, eight-point buck.

Pulaski County: Andrew Partlow, 170-pound, eight-point buck.

Tipton County: Gabriel Hartwig, 160-pound, seven point buck; Kolby Thomas, 160-pound, six-point buck; Ryan Wright, 187-pound, eight-point buck; Eldon Weaver, 187-pound, eight-point buck; Bruce Jacobs, 178-pound, 11-point buck; Tim Eller, 221-pound, 13-point buck.

Wabash County: Billy Green, 161-pound, 10-point buck.

John Martino is the Tribune’s outdoor columnist. He may be reached through the sports department.

        

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