I am not a gun lover – never have been, never will be, BUT,
I understand they have a place and purpose and I credit my son for helping me
understand that. Because he grew up in the woods and waters of Northern
Michigan, he is an avid outdoorsman – and a very respectful one.
He spent his early years at deer camp – listening to his
uncle and friends share their stories; he went out on hunts before he was old
enough to shoot and began tuning into the sights and sounds of nature; he has sat
for hours in deer blinds and can tell the difference between the crashing of a busy squirrel and the silent stepping of a ten-point buck; he has tracked deer in deep snow, pouring
rain and unseasonable heat. Many hunting seasons he came back empty-handed; other
years our freezer was full of fresh venison that lasted all winter. He’s hunted
with guns, bows and muzzle-loaders; he has a hand gun and has used it to scare
off more than one bear in our front yard.
We have debated the gun issue many times, and we both agree on
background checks, licensing and proper training. He took a Hunter’s Safety
Course when he was young; everything is kept locked in a gun cabinet; and I
have learned to appreciate that he can provide food for the family, and protect
us if, God forbid, he ever had to.
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