Jason Baker – Gretna, NE

Every year, when each girl turned 5, they began their journey with their Dad and Grandpa by first learning to scout the land. When each girl turned 6 years old, they were able to go out on opening day with Dad and Grandpa. So each year for the past 6 years, he has taken one or two of the girls with them. This past year has been a challenge for Grandpa and his health. Within one year’s time he has survived a dissected aorta as well as a quadruple bypass surgery. This was a year to celebrate and embrace together.
So, this year my husband decided it was time to take all 3 girls on the big deer hunt with Grandpa. I first thought he was nuts and must not have wanted to actually get the Big Buck! I mean who in their right mind would take 3 girls (ages 11, 9 and 7) out at the crack of dawn to get the Big Buck! My husband apparently! I joked with my friends on facebook and said he was brave and at least would come home with some good stories. But to my surprise, he sent me a text by 9am with his Buck in hand and 3 very excited girls! They were able to track the deer, watch Grandpa and Dad pull it out of a creek about 20 feet below and also had a nice biology lesson. They learned that although they don’t “dissect” a deer, gutting it can be just as fun! Hats off to my husband and his Dad for allowing 3 very special girls to assist them in getting the Big Buck for 2009!

~ Shana Baker for Jason Baker