Way back in 2001, I booked my first big whitetail hunt in Pike County, Illinois. I really was impressed with all the mid-west whitetails, racks and body size, I just had to get there. Those first few years where very exciting, seeing all those big deer. My only problem was the outfitter. I needed another one.
Low and behold, I called this little outfit from the back of Deer & Deer Hunting Magazine. They where very small at the time and really had some great farms, great price, so I booked. Needless to say, I went 7 for 7 in the first 7 years with them until I asked the owners, how can I kill a great buck. I figured since they where born and raised there, I could get some insight. The answer was, "stop reaching for your bow every time you see a good deer, the better one is behind him" ...Good advice.
They also suggested I get my own lease.
Fast forward 5 years. I purchased 3 acres with a totally remodeled and fully furnished mobile home for 35K. Taxes about $800 a year. Well, that was it, I knew where I wanted to be. Then acquired a 80 acre lease. Thats really all one guy needs, I never get to hunt every set anyway. Turns out, I purchased the property and home from the outfitters son and he and his dad live two driveways away from me.
Over the years, we have become such good friends, he's come to NY, we have been to New Brunswick bear hunting 5 times, Arkansas trout fishing, Colorado Pronghorn hunting, its been a blast. Sadly, his wife was stricken with M.S. and its been very hard on him, and he is still a full time farmer. Believe me, I have a whole new respect for farmers and the farming life.
So today, I went to closing and sold my home on Long Island. My wife has moved to Florida to be with her mom for her last days here on earth, and I've taken residency in a very nice apartment near my business. ( We get together and when we do its like date night) Monday, some land clearing takes place at my place out there and we have plans to do a Chalet type home. ( Need the high ceilings for my mounts)
You know, he looks forward to me getting there, he can vent and have someone to talk to about his life changing event, and to tell the truth, I look forward to providing an ear (and a few Crown and Cokes) Its cliche but count your blessings.
So that is the story and how it happened.
I look back to all the guys here on Bowsite that started this similar process, and a couple never even made it through.
Well, they where and are a inspiration.
That is another reason why Bowsite is great.
I just wanted to share and to everyone, have a great whitetail season, mine is going to be awesome.
—jim
Dreams do come true--------->
Good luck, Robb
Heading out next weekend to get caught up in the rut.
I’d like to share some pics along the process.
They are moving earth, relocating the shed and removing this old root cellar from the hill, behind where the new place will be.
I had that same dream before Bowsite & now have been in an elk state for 40 years! Good luck to you & don't ever let that positive attitude relax, keep that fire stoked!
ElkNut/Paul
Are you retiring or can you continue with what you do from your new residence?
I grew up in northern NJ, where people said Thank you, Ma’am and waved when you drove by. This place is perfect.
T-Roy..keeping my Electrical Contracting business here in NY. We figure this will be a process, so there’s not rush yet... but the wheels are in motion.
I have a great staff that allows me to often run the day to day remotely. Technology is amazing.
Thx again gents!
