Going out with a bang!

[Overlay]

Hi Griff
That was a hell of a last memorable shot and drag out, well done on a top job

Good luck on retirement and enjoy

 

[NickJ]

Nice one Griff.

I worked for the FC for two years in the early 90s. I shot so many deer that I had enough - when I left I didn't shoot another deer for over a year. I can imagine that with modern contracting in Scotland (nights, the seasons now, the pressure etc) it would be worse.

Over time I fell back in love with stalking and are doing more and more as I semi-retire. I have to remind myself though that - when your hobby becomes your job it stops being a hobby.

I hope that all turns out OK with your family and that, having given up you might one day find the time to enjoy the odd stalk as a hobby

All the best

 

[tom308w]

All the best Neil you know when it's time to finish atb tom

 

[Foxyboy43]

Salutary reminder today at the funeral of my dear pal’s son of just how short life is and just how tenuous a grasp we all have on it.
You have made a life-changing decision for all the right reasons - I wish you well sir.

 

[victormeldrew]

Excellent write-up & shows the difference between stalking as a job & as a hobby.

I wish you & your family all the best & hope that in the future you have the opportunity & inclination to enjoy nature/the countryside again.

v

 

[teyhan1]

Time to sit down and pen some of your experiences. I’m getting close to that point myself.
From my own experience I would say keep one rifle and scope. Take a break. The hunger to be out there will return. Just do it next time on your terms, for your own enjoyment.
If you don’t feel the need to be out in 2-3 years, then sell up.
Enjoy your rest.

 

[FlyBoy270]

Thank you for all your warm comments, it does confirm that I have made the right choice. It does not however mean that you can continue Balking Tollocks on SD, I will be watching..

Great Days indeed

 

[bottletopbill]

Take time of to rebuild and who knows later on but as so many have said keep in touch and enjoy your time together

 

[griff]

Great Days indeed

Hi Mike, yes indeed the good o'l days! That Landcruiser best motor I have ever owned, apart from the economy.

 

[finnbear270]

You remember the breakfast bar truck?,
And the overnight parking?

 

[griff]

You remember the breakfast bar truck?,
And the overnight parking?

Hi Steve, I remeber that day very well, you forget all the times that made it worh the effort..

 

[miffy]

Only just seen this, what a way to go out. Cracking boar.
You will be missed, but it's all about your family.
Priorities must be in the correct order .
Best of luck going forward.
Garry

 

[Long drag]

All the best to you and your family.
Ps can I have your boots.

 

[ink7682]

Well have finally decided to hang up my boots, its a decision that has been festering since November of last year. Its taken around 6 months for me to become weaned off the desire to go. Contracting was the killer, it deadens the pleasure of being out in the countryside, you become completly immune and a dont have the time to appreciate the outdoor environment, combined with some serious family health problems the decision was made for me. Family is more important as you get older, and I was guilty of been oblivious to the struggles they were enduring. The maelstrom which is deerstalking for me was all encompassing and nothing, and I mean nothing would get in the way, my whole life revolved round deerstalkers and contracting, to the detriment of what was becoming my estranged family..
I did however pursuade my partner to have one last go over this weekend, I had sold most of my kit and had to borrow a scope off a friend to even have a functional rifle. So we set off last night for one final throw of the dice, little did either of us know what an evening it would be. Perfect night, little to no wind we sat in a box tower eating chilli con carne, for the first time just enjoying scenery and the sounds, then this happens, 4 hours lugging this lump(141kg) 800yds to the truck, covered in blood sweating like a rapist, got home at 2am exhausted, and chuffed, scope off the rifle this morning returned to its owner, and now cataloging all my gear to sell some on here and some to the Leukeamia charity. View attachment 361854View attachment 361851

Nice write up mate. Sorry to see you hang your boots up, you’ve done a ton for me over the years. Family first though every time pal!

 

[griff]

All the best to you and your family.
Ps can I have your boots.

So you want my Meindl's then?

 

[Long drag]

So you want my Meindl's then?

Only if they size 9

 

[1894]

Sorry to hear this. I’ll be happy to keep your ground for you

 

[rem284]

Good write up. A passion and drive for do something can be eventually become such a burden it becomes a chore to say the least. You could always return to it in some capacity which might be enjoyable again. Good luck with the next chapter

 

[griff]

Sorry to hear this. I’ll be happy to keep your ground for you

 

[FlyBoy270]

You remember the breakfast bar truck?,
And the overnight parking?

Yes indeed - Steve waded well past the plimsole line in a ditch full of runoff farm **** - and I had to walk with him to the main road - the smell was indescribable