Pheasant Fest Rendezvou
Hey folks, first and foremost I would like to say it was an honor meeting some of you from this organization at pheasant fest. Truly an outstanding group.
My story starts similar to a lot of yours or anyone reading this. GRANDPAS GUN. However that gun, a glossy catalog from a local gun dog supply store as kid, followed by an English Setter and itch to feel history and nostalgia have lead me on paths I could have never dreamt about.
As a young’n there was always that 1 gun that sat in grandpas gun case that had my attention. You guessed it, the Parker. It didn’t matter what else was in there at any time. That gun had a story and I needed to hear it and feel it. Grandpas story was, he spent a whole summer working in the early 30’s to buy that gun second hand for $13 just so he could rabbit hunt with his family. By the time I was around, the gun had made it to a safe place being to timid to shoot it with modern loads and Damascus barrels. There was that 1 time with a few cardboard shells he had,we took it out. The feel, the history, the smell of those shells. I was DOOMED! Being around folks with gun dogs didn’t help this looming disease. Later in life I ended up with my Setter. While he was just a pup, grandpa was in hospice care and we just spent hours upon hours talking about bird dogs and beagles…… and that old Parker. He left me with “Ryan, this fall, when I get out of this bed, I want to see that pup work. And I’m going to get the Parker out for it.” What I would give to have that opportunity. A few years later as grandma decided she needed to part with some things, I was awarded the honor of being the next generation. Unsure what to do I did some research. I ended up sending the gun away to have new springs put in it and have it tightened up. Turned out that glossy catalog sold RST. I was in business. When the gun smith asked if I wanted the gun refinished, I said no. When questioned about my choice, it was because how that gun looks and feels is how I’ve always known it and you can bet its going to get used. Before my kiddo is handed this gun it might be time for a face lift. Fast forward a decade of life and building a family and careers. That old Parker, that same Setter that pert near made grandpa stand up out of bed, are still in the PA woods. Theres now several business wrapped up around this disease and I get to handle several of these pieces of historical art a week. I genuinely feel blessed that life has taken the courses it has all while the roots grow deeper. Life is short. Hug a Setter, shoot a Parker, and chase everything you can from goals to nostalgia.
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03-20-2025, 08:33 PM
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