EVEN A BLIND SQUIRREL…

Find an acorn every now and then! Kirk Stovall aka “Shrapnel” he is one of the luckiest hunters I know. Shrapnel has been a lucky hunter from Montana all his life. As a child, his father and others showed him the way. The path led to a happy life, a loving family, wonderful faith, and a great hunt along the way. 

Shrapnel and I shared a moose hunt a few years ago. He drew a cool label and together we filled it out. The hunt was difficult for the two Blind Squirrels. Kirk recently underwent knee replacement surgery. He was on his way to back surgery. Throw in the old fart syndrome, the aches and pains, and we certainly had plenty of excuses for not finding acorns. By working together, Bullwinkle was in the bag!

Shrapnel has erupted every hunting season. Few labels go to waste. He puts in the time and effort. A lifetime of skills have been practiced and shared with family and friends.

This year’s moose archery season started off with a bang! The shrapnel hit the target. Kirk had never touched a bull moose with a bow. That changed on Saturday. The blind squirrel, along with some family helpers, found an acorn.

Kirk wasn’t expecting much. The day would be hot and harsh. She wandered into areas where she had heard elk bugles before. Things happened fast. Her bugle call was answered and the bull came closer. He had a squirt of Elk Bomb scent spray and let it fly to mask the scent of him. He scored an arrow and surveyed the fields of fire at him. When the bull arrived, Shrapnel drew his bow but found that the peep had been crushed. He used his teeth to bend it back into an oval shape. He now he lined up on the bull at 30 yards, settled on the 3dr pin, and let it fly. The sound of a knock assured him that the moose had been hit.

Kirk rallied the Stovall clan and they began the hunt afterward. His son soon found a broken axle. The wound was not incidental. This meant very little blood from a blow to his shoulder. After searching some more, without a trace of blood, Kirk stumbled upon his bull. 

Having family and friends to help and share in the celebration is special. The kids get a great lesson on mowing and transporting the moose. The son gets to share a great adventure of father and son. As we age, these moments are less and less frequent. Our sons and daughters have their own lives to live.

The Stovall family will celebrate this moose hunt for years to come. Another check can be marked on the hunting wish list. Everyone was invited, invested and shared ownership in their family hunting and gathering. Somehow the meat tastes a little better when everyone pitches in.

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