No opening day hunt this year

[Ron M.]

It's been a very sad and difficult last few weeks, my father is in the final stages of cancer. He probably only has a day or two at most left.

My brother and I have been helping our mother with hospice care.  Our kids are cleaning up the cabin and land for dad's memorial service. He has asked that his ashes be buried on the east facing ridge where he loved to sit and watch the sun come up.

I don't know if or when I will go hunting this year at all.

Dad put the ranch into a family trust so all of us can continue to use it.

[Earl Keese]

Praying for you and your family. I hope your father's remaining days are peaceful and without pain.

[crosstimbers]

I just went through this. The only advice I can offer is take it as it comes. Prayers for you and yours.

[Ron M.]

He passed away last night about 9pm. My mother and I were with him, he was non-responsive for about 24 hours before. While we're all grieving, we also count as a blessing he's now free of pain and at peace.

Thank you all for the kind words and prayers.

[Rock-it3]

Condolences to you and your family, and prayers to God for peace and comfort.

[Ron M.]

The family will be at the ranch over Thanksgiving, we're going to inter dad's ashes on the Wednesday before. My brother and I have announced there will be no hunting this year from what will now be known as "Dad's/Grandpa's ridge".  Dad asked there be no head stone, just a small flat plaque. My son and nephew have dismantled dad's stand. I don't know if or when another stand will be built. I'm all for limiting that area to stalk or still hunting only.

I plan to try for a deer using the Winchester 94 (30-30) my dad owned since 1950. He bought it on his 16th birthday. My brother and I decided the '94 will go from me (oldest) to my oldest son and the Savage 99 in 250 Savage will go to his oldest. Dad took a bunch of deer with those 2 rifles.