Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting The last hunt...

My bud Chuck has been battling cancer for the last 1.5 years. He didn't get to make the WI deer season this year because he was bed ridden. He wanted desperately to have one final hunt, and, perhaps a chance to put a good one on the ground.

The only option open to us just prior to Christmas, and, before his short window closed, was a game preserve. I was seriously conflicted about that sort of thing but was hell bent on making a final wish come true.

I searched to find one that could accommodate a last second schedule and special needs of getting around. The place - the 1000-acre Forest of Antlers in Minoqua. It's a three hour drive from home and hospice wouldn't hear of him staying overnight so we planned on several days of driving back forth if need be. (actually, hospice didn't want him to go, period )

The owner, Ron Lee and his staff didn't have high hopes as the weather was spitting freezing rain.

With a fair amount of work we got Chuck into the elevated blind overlooking a food plot and bundled up for the afternoon sit.

Well, the big guy was looking down as he made for a pretty quick sit as a couple of bucks entered the food plot. I had a "budget" deer in mind, but true to my prediction, Chuck would want a bigger one. After a lot of positioning and repositioning, I got my .243 in the right spot for him to anchor the one he wanted. I didn't even have time to get my ears covered as Chuck put one through the buck's boiler at about 90 yards.

Lots of tears and laughter ensued. I was both happy and honored to have been able to share that last hunt with him. A huge thank you to Ron Lee and his staff - finer folks you'll never meet.

We laid Chuck to rest yesterday. RIP buddy.

Powerful story there and a priceless photo. Wonderful that you guys were able to make it happen and I'd wager that both of you took a lot away from that last hunt. I'm sorry that you had to let him go....

Man that really pulls at your heart strings. I reckon he would have done the same for you.

Great story, thanks for sharing.

Wayne

This.

Scott, you are one of the most stand up guys I am still yet to meet. My hat goes off to you for what you did for your friend Chuck and may he now RIP.

Wow.. Your a good man and a hell of a friend Skane. Kudos to you. God bless your friend and may he rest in piece.


Roy

Scott,

That is a great tribute to Chuck. You surely were a great, caring friend to him, no doubt. Godspeed, Chuck.

Beautiful post, story, hunt, and experience, Scott.

Sorry about losing your friend. Hopefully he is RIP, with that smile still on his face from the successful final hunt.

Don't know about all that. Chucks buddy seems like awfully fine folks to me. Sorry to hear about Chuck but tickled to see his wish come true. He'll thank you in due time.

Tom

That brought tears to my eyes, good for you for doing that for your bud. I guess there is a good use for high fence hunting afterall!

Wow....don't know what else to say. Looks like it was great for the both of you. Glad he had a friend such as yourself to do this for him. Thanks for sharing.

Nice job - both of you. RIP Chuck.

He had a great friend in you. Sorry for your loss but glad you got to do the last one with your friend.

Damn, must be allergies again here....

Well done! You net a halo for that fine job. A notch above the call for sure.

Our sympathies and condolences for family and friends and RIP as noted.

KNow that you did the very best you ever could for a good friend.
May that console you the best it can.

Jeff

Skane, thats a fine thing you did for your friend. May your friend rest in peace, and may you have much luck & good Karma.

What a story... You will be rewarded in kind someday.

I'm glad to see and hear you two got one final hunt in.

Very sorry to hear about the loss of a great friend.

Wayne, yes, most likely. But if the tables were turned, I'd likely have sat for as long as it took to see one of the biggest animals the property had to offer � he'd have the rest of his life to pay off the bill. ***grins***

Thanks for the comments gents - many here would do the same for a pard. A lot of thanks goes to his wife for her understanding and for trusting me to return her hubby. And we had a modicum of joy in telling hospice "I told you so" - they insisted he wasn't up to it...

I couldn't say it any better. You did a good thing Skane, a very good thing there. I'm sure this is a memory you will not ever forget. I absolutely love the picture. God bless you both.

Wow, just reading that was emotional. RIP to your friend. You're a great guy, Skane!

Thanks for sharing. It is refreshing to read such positive experiences.

The best any of us can ever hope for us that we can share some of our time with good friends and family.

Bless you both.