6th Prize
Hunting Journal with Weatherby Logo (100 awarded)
April Marvin, California
“My dream hunt would be to hunt exotic game in Africa. I have seen the many beautiful creatures from Africa on the Outdoor Channel that my husband watches avidly. Although I am content with hunting the local blacktail, I can only dream of a hunt in another country.
Living in Northern California it would be hard to convince me that there is another place more beautiful to dwell. Up in our peaceful corner of Redwood country, we are blessed with the ocean, clean rivers, mountains and some of the largest Redwood trees in existance. Growing up I didn't take much interest in my brother and dad's hunting trips. I have always been a tomboy, much to my mom's dismay. It just didn't seem cool for a girl to hunt or fish, and I sure didn't have any friends that did.
When I was about 12, my dad taught me basic gun safely and how to shoot. We started with his .357. It scared me at first, but I grew to love it. Then came trap shooting at the gun club with my best friend and her grandpa. Later in life I was employed at the local Sheriff's Department and I began handling weapons on a regular basis. It felt odd buying my first duty weapon, but it was a requirement. After a few years, I barely even noticed the gun setting on my right hip.
When I began dating my husband, I could recall his ‘redneck’ reputation in high school. Always hunting, fishing and skipping school during the appropriate seasons. The first hunting season that we were dating he invited me to go hunting with him. I was surprised but flattered. I thought it was when ‘the guys’ wanted time away from ‘the gals.’ So along I went. I soaked up every bit of information I could about hunting. He was so passionate about the outdoors, I couldn't help but catch buck fever too.
It didn't take him much convincing for me to take my hunter safety class. I signed up, attended, studied my tail off and I passed! I think Justin was more excited that I was. Soon he bought me my own rifle and went along regularly. When I shot my first blacktail, and that buck dropped to the ground....Justin was jumping around and hollering. ‘You did it, you got 'em!’ I knew right at that moment why so many people loved the sport of hunting. I was addicted.
It has been a few years since then. I have had my good seasons and my bad. Living in such a rural area, most women around here complain about not having anywhere to shop. I couldn't care less about how far I have to drive to shop. I enjoy the simple life. My husband, our dog, the gun safe full of guns and our house that is starting to resemble a taxidermy showroom. That's all I need to be happy. My husband has taught me to appreciate where I live. He has made my dream come true by being my best briend and my husband. Every time we go hunting together we create memories that will last a lifetime.
I can only dream about what the warm air in Africa would feel like. Taking in the beauty of the exotic animals with my husband sitting next to me. It would be surreal to watch a Kudu through the scope of my rifle. Or to watch my husband bring down a mighty Cape Buffalo. Harvesting such a large beast would be exhilarating! I was stunned by the coat of the Gembach the first time I saw one on television. It's rack was unlike anything I had ever seen.
I have heard that the sunset seems larger than life in the country of Africa. Driving somewhere in the states to see these animals that have been shipped half way across the world could never compare to seeing them in their natural habitat. It would be a dream come true.”