Going out with a bang!

griff

Well-Known Member
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. 20240420_223717[1].jpg20240421_075516[1].jpg
 
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
Well done and I hope it all works out for the family.
 
Sorry to hear its time !:-(

but if at cost of family and risk of losing said family then enough is enough... priorities need to be reassessed and sorrted.

but you got a freezer full of memories off of that last hurrah and lifetime of them as well i bet!

enjoy the family and whatever else you turn or apsire to bud


Paul
 
wishing you and your family all the best, what a way to end.

I’m sure it was you that got me my first Scottish stag (Dumfries area) ?

Atb Andrew
 
Some decision to make,, and obviously the right one , I hope you have a chilled and well earned you time ,, and what a great finale ,, atb Arron
 
Great write up and not a truer word spoken. (Family first)You need to be in a good place first! so you can help those around you. Deer stalking for some is a hobby for others its a life stile choice it can become all consuming and i admire you for making what must be the correct call. I wish you well and good health.
 
Let this be a warning for anyone who thinks contracting is a walk in the park......
When shooting of any animal becomes a drag and impacts on family life, the warning signs are there. I've worked in a few places where I felt the work was reaching a point of causing me significant mental and physical damage - thankfully, I could and did take other opportunities and me and my family/friends appreciated it.
Hope the OP keeps some gear so that if the urge to try some recreational stalking when he's in a better place, he'll find he can enjoy nature again.:tiphat:
 
Sorry to hear that Griff, wish you all the best fir the future - I made some major Life changes 3 years ago, never looked back
all the very best - I still recall those halcyon days on Arran, catch up when I get back to UK next month.
FlyBoy270 - Mike


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Sorry to hear that your leaving not just the sight but the sport i learned quite a lot from you so good luck with all you do in future Dave
 
Sorry to hear of your problems N, just getting over some of ours. Remember well giving you a hand in the smokehouse and the craic when stalking or involved in A's courses at the.college. I'm still crawling about in my 80's but it won't carry on past 90. Best of luck with everything and if ever you're down in Linc's pm me.G🦡
 
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