Hunting with Mike

I have had the distinct pleasure of being able to enjoy the great outdoors with my five brothers. Of those five Randy, Darryl, Brett, Brad, and Dean, Darryl stands out in the memory department. Darryl is the consummate hunter. That is he eats, sleeps, breaths, and completely throws himself into the hunting season. His wonderful wife Cathy is a typical hunting widow from October through December. She never complains and has always supported her high school sweetheart during the Fall season. If you want action, then all you have to do is stay close to “Dink.” You better have your camera cause you’ll be taking his picture with whatever your after. I’ve been with Darryl when he’s taken bucks, bears, and turkeys. He’s one heck of a rifle shot (Viet-Nam veteran with the Expert Marksman Badge.) I once saw him drop a running deer at an estimated 250 yards. Most hunters won’t even attempt that kind of a shot, but then they aren’t Darryl either. When you possess his type of skill and natural ability then that shot is taken with confidence and the results are meat in the freezer. I got Darryl involved in archery about 30 years ago, and he surpassed his teacher (me) with flying colors. Twice he’s received the coveted “Michigan Grand Slam Award” from the Michigan Bowhunters Organization. This award is given to the organization member who has taken a deer, bear, and a turkey with a bow in the current calander year. Needless to say only a handful of bowhunters have ever accomplished that feat. At one time Darryl had the No. 2 bow harvested bear taken in the state. He took that huge old boar with a garage sale Bear Archery recurve and a wooden shaft arrow. Nothing like doing it the hard way. Of the three big game animals it takes for the “grand slam”, the turkey is the hardest to harvest. I’ve lost count at how many Darryl has roasted for Thanksgiving, but I’m sure its probably around 8-10 birds.

Darryl has been in law enforcement all his adult life. He started his career with the Monroe city police, spent over 20 years with the Luna-Pier dept. (Chief for many years), and then moved on to the Erie department. Any of his friends, and he has alot, will tell you what a great guy he is to have on your side. He’s been involved in so many heroic episodes in his law enforcement career that my “one” typing finger would get sore telling of all his death defying exploits.

I am so very proud of my “little brother”, and oh so thankful for the scrapbook full of memories I have of you. Your zest for life and devotion to your family and community are a real testament to the man that you are. Thanks for all the good times.

Mike

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 15th, 2007 at 1:18 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.