Charms, Talismans and Tokens
 

Sorting through things in the Cabin today before the afternoon hunt, I found some 30 year old maps of the area that I'd saved over the years. Seeing those maps with notes of covers long gone reminded me of the things we treasure as hunters. I have a collection of things -- good luck charms and tokens of people and times gone by -- that I carry on every hunt on a chain around my neck. Among these treasured items are a part of my Pop's wedding band that my mother gave me, a grouse band from the heyday of grouse hunting in Ohio, a St. Hubert's medal that a friend gave me one Christmas, and a key fob that belonged to a dear friend's father (who was an avid bird hunter back in the 1950's). Each of these items carries some part of people who have, either directly or indirectly, influenced my life as a hunter. I would no sooner leave them behind on a hunt than I would my dog or gun.

I'm curious what charms, talismans, or tokens you might have and the stories behind them.

I would be very charmed if that pretty damascus Parker hunted with me!!

My hunting buddy and I have a mason jar on the fireplace mantle of his cottage. We place a grouse tail feather in the jar every time we are fortunate enough to bag a grouse. There are a few with a little piece of tape on them that record special events such as a dogs first grouse, or a guest hunters first grouse. The jar has filled up nicely over the last several years and it reminds us how fortunate we are to be able to hunt these wonderful birds.

Garry,
What a good story and pictures. I really enjoy a lot of the things the members are putting in here. Its really a good time reading all of these. Now I am going back through some of the back pages in here. Its like reading a book, keep up the good work.

i wear some of my dads clothing and for sure i carry his turkey calls and some of myfriends call ..i use my dads guns alot and even some of his old reloads of ammo....i like your idea of the necklace...charlie