6th Prize
Hunting Journal with Weatherby Logo (100 awarded)
Chris Mikolon, Tennessee
“My dream hunt is one that will take me to the eastern most Canadian Province, which shares its border with Quebec. Where the spectacular aurora borealis can be witnessed and the outdoorsman will be in hunting paradise. Where a hunter can pursue not only one amazing North American specie, but can have hopes and dreams of multiple tags for a black bear, Woodland caribou and moose in one amazing dream hunt. The Newfoundland Slam!
Often dreaming of the Holy Grail in hunting since childhood, the North American grand slam is all but a dream. Being of the middle class in wage earners, life sets in with work, wife and children and anything less than winning the lottery would be futile in my hunting endeavors. Priorities change, as well as the affordability of hunts, and realizing the real trophies in life are supporting your family, having a successful marriage and raising children to be responsible, Christ–following members of the community as adults. While being valued trophies, the dream hunt of a lifetime would bring me one step closer to achieving my unrealistic lifetime goal of a grand slam.
Since early childhood, I can remember my father speaking about his Weatherby rifles. As my childhood quickly evaporated into adulthood, I also wanted a Weatherby rifle and purchased my first firearm, a Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic in 7mm Rem. magnum. That rifle has always been by my side during the rifle deer seasons. Its dependability, accuracy and knockdown power is nothing less than spectacular. I have to have complete confidence in my equipment and the Weatherby Vanguard gives me the confidence that has never let me down. (Although not the cherished Mark V that I so much love, my Vanguard did fit in my budget.)
Along with my prized Vanguard (that I have bagged numerous whitetails with) being snuggly secured to my shoulder with sling in hand, my wife is who I would like to accompany me when pursuing my slam. Of course, most wives are special, but mine is truly gifted to have to deal with my untreatable hunting addiction. Very supportive of, yet not much in understanding the reason I choose to rise in the dark, early mornings and endure frigid temperatures in chase of a wary old whitetail during the hunting seasons. Many offers have been extended, but all have been declined emphatically with ‘No Way!’ Though we are getting closer with spring afternoon turkey hunts being considered, giving me hope!
Chasing black bears along the water's edge, following Woodland caribou through the marshy bogs and trying to catch moose in the timber would be special to me, but helping my wife to have a better understanding of my passion would be the real prize that I would be forever grateful!”