Old Dog, New Trick - Young Dog, Good Trick

Last fall I had an opportunity to join my long-time friend, Mike Otten, on a Montana archery elk hunt. I was simply an observer, as Mike has forgotten more about hunting and fishing than most of us have ever learned - bow hunting is no exception. A new outdoor interest has once again caught my fancy.

Earlier this spring I received a welcome delivery - a new Browning bow. With the help of knowledgeable friends, I was soon winging arrows. I was amazed with the power and accuracy achievable with the new bows and equipment. If I were to never fire an arrow at game I will still have discovered a great sport. With a little preparation you can shoot arrows right in your backyard - you can't do that with your shotgun or 44 Magnum. Nearly every night after dinner I get my lazy old butt off the sofa and go out to shoot. It is good exercise and great fun. I guess you can teach us old dogs new tricks.

I have a little more room than a back yard to shoot in. While I shoot, my young lab Zach travels along, sitting while I shoot and joining me as I walk up to retrieve the arrows. When I backed up to 50 yards I fired an errant arrow that missed the target and vanished in tall grass. I considered the arrow to be lost. "Not so," says Zach, who starts a search of his own and promptly retrieves the arrow some ten yards away from where I was looking. Of course I promptly told him what a brilliant boy he is - a good trick for a young dog.

If you have never shot a bow, take a trip to your local archery store and give it a try. You might find a new hobby worth getting off the couch for.

Best Regards,