The Birthday Hunt

[Keavin Nelson]

A tradition that I have held for closing on 50 years is to bird hunt on the day after Christmas, my birthday. It started with my 12th birthday, with my present being my first hunting license, and a classic red/black check wool hunting jacket. Dad took me on my first real grouse hunt, with me hunting with his Ithaca 16ga pump. He didn't carry anything, as he wanted to keep an eye on me. It was the first of many hunts with him and although I only bagged a squirrel, memorable non the less. Later that year he came home with another first, a Parker VH 12 ga., for him, as I was to use the Ithaca. I soon grew quite fond of the Parker, and favored that when Dad would let me use it. He had no idea what he started, or maybe he did.

So now I get to carry on the tradition and hunt with my son Brandon, every chance I get. While I was carrying a Fox this day, he almost always hunts with a Parker VH 16 ga. I built for him for his 21st birthday.