Outdoor Friends Forever Hunt: PART 2

I think Clayton said everything that needed to be said about the OFF weekend. But i thought i would share with you about how it affected me as well. To say that this past weekend was humbling, would be an understatement. No, this was more along the lines of a life changing weekend. I have the privilege of working with kids everyday at The Children's Hospital of Alabama. You could pretty much say I've seen it all. With that being said, ill be very honest. When i walked in on Friday night, i was expecting to see kids that were "down." In other words, tough to get smiles out of because they may be depressed about their specific situation, or just flat out not feeling good. And this is because i work with them everyday. I was very much mistaken though. These kids were absolutely incredible!! Spirits high and ready to hunt. I have never seen 6 different faces filled with so much joy in anticipation for a hunt.

My hunting buddy for the first afternoon was a young man named Tyler Templeton. Tyler is for lack of a better phrase, one of the coolest people ive ever met. We got situated in our stand the first night and waited patiently for deer to start moving. It wasn't until about 4:50 we saw our first two deer. Needless to say, thats all i took.....Tyler was in kill mode. He picked out the one he wanted and made a perfect shot dropping deer right in its tracks. Tyler could have shot a 150' buck and been just as excited. And of course i was going nuts, I was so excited!

The next day i got to take my new friend Jordan out to hunt. Jordan was one of these kids who you can't help but like. He just brought joy to everyone around him. The only thing different about Jordan compared to some of the other hunters in camp was that he had never killed a deer. So there was somewhat of a pressure on us to get the job done for him. And at the same time, praying we could get it on film.

We had a doe come out around 4:30 that put on a show. She was running all over the place. Which was actually a good thing because it gave time for Jordan's dad to help him get his gun up and ready. Once he was finally steady, Jordan squeezed that trigger and what we thought was a miss turned out to be a great shot. The deer only ran about 30 yards out of the field. What a great hunt.

It's hard to put into words what this kind of experience will do for an individual. I was talking to my dad on the way back to Birmingham and filling him in on all the great stories i had. I told him, "dad, this was one of those weekends thats just good for your soul." I've always told people that working at Children's Hospital will make your park your attitude real quick. The reason is because you walk in that place, and you see people and families that have real problems. Like Clayton said, it will make you rethink all your petty selfish problems. My heart was overjoyed when i left the OFF hunt. It reiterated how much i have to be thankful for, and how lucky i am to be able to enjoy the outdoors whenever i want. Not everyone has that luxury. These kids don't get the chance to hunt and fish as much, and to be able to share hunting camp with them was one of the highlights of my year. The Outdoor Friends Forever hunt is something that i will definitely be participating in for many years to come. Do yourself a favor, and get involved. Very few things are more precious than experiencing the wonderful outdoors that God has provided. However, one thing is better......and that's sharing it with others that do not get to experience the outdoors everyday. Im thankful for what Jim Hardy has done with OFF, and Im thankful for all the friends I made through such and awesome organization.

-John

Outdoor Friends Forever Hunt

Outdoor Friends Forever Family Hunting Weekend
Posted on December 12, 2011 by backroadsoutdoors

When we arrived Friday night I was floored at how much this event and organization has grown because there were so many people volunteering their time to help. The chaplain gave a devotion on Friday night that slapped me around and made me remember why I’m here.
We got up Saturday and shot targets at the range. The quote of the morning came from Kainon, our comedian who is blind. He was shooting an AR-15 semi automatic rifle and had shot a few rounds from his clip. He stopped shooting for a second and yelled, “Hey Big D hold your coffee, I can’t see what I’m doing!” Then he proceeded to pop off the remaining rounds in his clip as fast as that gun would reload another shell. Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop…you get the idea. It was the funniest thing I have heard in a long time and everyone there was dying with laughter.

Joshua was my hunter for the first afternoon, so we spent a little time together on the range. He was a dead eye. He said he’s killed two deer before. He then took the .22 and painted a snowman on one of the targets! The target had two eyes, a nose, a mouth, and buttons. All he was missing was a corn cob pipe! We set up that afternoon in a hay loft of a barn. It made it tough on the lighting for the camera, but we made it work. We had two deer come out but they got spooked when we were trying to get set up for the shot. A minute later, a button buck came out. He grazed behind a branch for what seemed like an eternity. Finally he cleared the branch. Then he ate his last bite! Joshua nailed him. He dropped, got back up, and left the field. We weren’t sure how good the hit was, but we found a good blood trail. We came back later and found him 50 yards from the field. Saturday afternoon, 4 different hunters killed 4 deer! 2 of those kills were on camera.

Sunday morning I got to hunt with my buddy Cody. He and I are the genesis of the Oreo legend of Outdoor Friends Forever. We didn’t have any luck Sunday morning, and I think Cody got a little cold. I told him later, I bet it was because we only put one Oreo in the field instead of more. Cody was able to kill a deer the previous afternoon.

After the hunt, we setup at Jim’s pond to do some interviews with some of the guides, hunters, and parents. We wanted to hear about their experience with Outdoor Friends Forever. Then things got emotional. Listening to some of the kids and parents talk really got to me and made me start thinking about my “problems”.

It is weekends like this that make me question the “problems” that I have. My car is falling apart. Work is tough right now. Money is tight. My toddler is pitching a fit. If only we could have a little bit more room in our house. My back hurts. The guys that we were able to hunt with at the Outdoor Friends Forever family deer hunt would love to have these “problems”. Some of them struggle with simply walking. Some of them cannot walk at all. Some have trouble speaking. Some cannot see. And I complain about MY “problems”. This weekend we were able to do an interview with Kainon, who is blind and has cerebral palsy. He was clearly the comedian of the group, but he got serious when he knew he was on camera. He talked about how his dad drove him over 4 hours from Mississippi to Alexander City, AL to be able to deer hunt this weekend with Outdoor Friends Forever. I saw 3 grown men tear up as he sat there talking about what it meant to him to have his dad do this for him. I was one of those 3 and I don’t know how many others that heard him choked up also.

The saddest part about the whole weekend for me is that most of the kids that were hunting have no idea the type of impact they have on their guides. You can quickly develop a bond with someone sharing a shooting house for 6 or 7 hours over the course of a weekend.

I was able to guide two years ago and there were a handful of guides and other volunteers, and maybe 5 or 6 hunters. I missed the event last year, and as I reflect back on the weekend I ask myself, “What did I have going on that caused me to miss the weekend?” I could not recall at first, but then I remembered my entire family had a stomach bug. What can I do to make sure I don’t miss it again? When I walked in the door Friday night I couldn’t even get in the door of the lodge that may have been about 2000 square feet. I was completely floored seeing the number of people who were there, all for only 6 kids who wanted to hunt! There were 6 kids who were hunting, and there had to have been at least 50 people in the lodge!

….And I have problems!? I cannot wait for the video John and I will produce from this weekend. I cannot wait to show people the kids, the personalities, and the characters that we got to share deer camp with. They literally made us laugh and made us cry all weekend. The food was unbelievable. I do consider eating a hobby you know. I especially want to thank the ladies who worked the kitchen to make sure that our stomachs were not growling in the deer stand.
To be a part of a weekend like this changes you. It changed me two years ago and it changed me this year. Now I have a daughter, and another on the way. I got home and hugged my wife and my daughter a little bit tighter. I’m going to go home and think about my “problems”. And I’m going to go home and mark my calendar for next year. I’m going to go home and tell people about Jim Hardy and Outdoor Friends Forever. So maybe next year we’ll need 100 volunteers to guide 12 or 15 kids. And I have “problems”?!

Sure, we’ve all got problems. You know, keeping up with the Joneses type problems. But when I think about what God has given me; a beautiful wife, a beautiful daughter, another one on the way, and good health for all of us; and then I go participate in a weekend like this… I don’t have any “problems”! I’m just selfish and greedy. Weekends like this help you remember that I’m blessed by God more than I thank him for.

On the way home, I listened to a song by Matthew West called “Strong Enough”. I thought about those kids, and how some are not strong enough to use the bathroom by themselves. But what is boils down to is that I’m not strong enough either. You cannot go through life on your own. You must have God. Period.

I know this is long and I cannot wait to tell the stories that we captured on camera. So, I will close with a verse that is so often quoted and some times quoted with complacent sincerity. “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Phillipians 4:12-13 (NASB)

Thanks to Jim Hardy and all the volunteers who made this weekend special for all involved, and thank you for allowing me to be a small part.

-Clayton

You can see more photos from the weekend by visiting our website http://www.huntbackroads.com/ or our Facebook page.

'Twas the Night Before Duck Season

Blogging live from the road! We are headed to Stuttgart, Arkansas for the 2011 season opener! We will be hunting with the guys at Backwoods Duck Club and Lodge, and the reports from up there are outstanding. Anyway, I wrote this post a few years ago when Mille was only a year and a half old and on her first real hunting season. You have to read it from her perspective. I really enjoyed it then and I hope you do now!

'Twas the Night Before Duck Season

by Millie McKinnon

'Twas the night before we went hunting, and dad's in the house,

Packing the gear and buggin' his spouse.

I'm out here freezing and it's getting late,

I'm stuck outside because he says I must 'acclimate'.

I'm all nestled outside in my bed,

with visions of woodies flyin' in my head.

With me in my bed and dad warm in his,

I was just getting sleepy, but I got up to wiz!

Then out on the driveway, there arose such a clatter;

I sprang out of the bed, I KNEW what was the matter!

Dad flipped on the lights and grabed MY camo coat;

it was Mr. John and his new duck boat!

The moon shone bright on all I could see,

I hope when he packed, he wouldn't forget me!

We pulled out the driveway and headed for the woods,

Man, I've been waiting for this, I hope he shoots good.

When what to my studying eyes did I see,

As the sun came up, hundreds of woodies!

I'd been here before, I knew I must'nt whine,

Because if I did, he would leave me at home next time.

As the birds started to fly I heard boom, boom, boom!

So I paid attention hoping one would fall soon!

This was it, it was my moment to shine,

Maybe dad will shoot better and hit one next time!

So we waited and waited and some ducks finally fell,

The only problem was, at me dad started to yell.

I think I jumped the gun, but I just couldn't wait,

If I made the retrieve, how could he hate?!

Dad whistled and shouted and called me other names,

But I didn't care, this was my game!

He yelled, "Millie, you crazy black mutt, you left too fast,

You better get back here, or I'll bust your.....butt!"

I made the retrieve as best as can be,

Look at this face, he can't spank me!

Though it took a while, when I got back,

Dad gritted his teeth, but a smile he did crack.

Sometimes he does get kinda frustrated with me,

But in the woods without me he can't be.

When I'm hunting with dad, I'm his pride and joy,

Kate can be his little girl, but I'll be his "boy"!

We finished shooting that mornings limit,

And headed to the truck, so I could get warm in it!

Hunting ducks is always fun,

But most mornings it's freezing having ice on your bum!

As dad cranked the truck and I got in,

I was already hoping for another morning of shootin' again.

As we left the swamp, I heard him exclaim,

"Next weekend I'll get you ducks, and dinner won't be so plain!"

Pan Fried Deer Medallions

Those that know me, know that I rarely cook the same thing twice. I enjoy being creative with my ingredients and seasonings and generally make things up as I go. This recipe is one that I remember. So, in honor of the opening of deer gun season in many state, including our home state of Alabama, I decided to share what has become one of my favorite deer recipies. I must admit that is did not come up with it totally by myself, but I have combined a few recipies that I've seen done elsewhere to make this one my own. It's somewhat unconventional because it's not deep fried or grilled wrapped in bacon; you know, the usual suspects. This recipie has a little bit of a gourmet twist but is rather easy. Even my two year old likes it!

Ingredients:

-1 deer back strap

- approx. 1/4th cup virgin olive oil

-buttermilk

-fish fry batter

-spicy mustard

1. Clean the back strap of any fat or gristle

2. Lay the back strap out long ways and slice at an angle creating about half dollar size medallions.

3. Combine the buttermilk and spicy mustard with a wisk until well blended.

4. Dunk the medallions in the buttermilk/ mustard blend until coated thoroughly.

5. Cover the medallions in the fish fry batter.

6. Pour the olive oil into a large sautee pan and heat until the oil sizzles.

7. Place the battered medallions in the pan. Allow each side to brown well and the meat will be cooked to medium.

The Good on Anything Sauce:

-lemon juice

-mayonnaise

-cajun seasoning

The sauce is simple. Combine the mayo and lemon juice so that the lemon juice thins out the mayo and becomes more like a liquid. I've found that the consistency of a salad dressing is ideal. Then sprinkle teh mixture with the cajun seasoning to your preferred taste. You can use the sauce as a dip, or drizzle it over the meat.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles:

-Fresh asparagus

-bacon

-olive oil

The side we chose for this meal is really simple as well. Simply take about 5 fresh asparagus spears and wrap them in bacon creating small bundles. Brush with olive oil and bake until the bacon appears to be done.

ENJOY!

-Clayton

Illinois Bow Hunt

This past week, my Dad and I had the privilege to bow hunt some of the best land the mid-west has to offer. We left early Saturday morning for Harpoles Heartland Lodge in Pike County, Illinois. From the minute we walked in the door to check in at the lodge, we were greeted and welcomed with open arms. We took our time unpacking and shooting our bows to make sure nothing had been bumped during our flight. Once we settled in, we were introduced to Allen Ballinger, who was our guide for the week. Allen is not only an excellent guide, but just a down to earth good guy. After finding out he was from Mentone, Alabama and listening to his game plan for the week, we knew we were in great hands.

First Day:

The first morning was quite eventful, to say the least. I had not been on my stand more than a half hour and i was already seeing deer. I was fairly aggressive with my calling knowing that dominant bucks were in the area. At 7:00 am, i hit the horns and did a little grunting. Within 2 minutes, I spotted a doe walking to me at a steady pace and a good buck was right behind her. As tough as it was, i let him go. I had no doubt he was a shooter as he walked less than 25 yards from my stand, then out of site. About 15 minutes later another doe came busting out of the thick brush and here he comes again. She came and bedded down 5 yards from the base of my tree for 20-30 minutes. This big buck paced back and forth refusing to leave her. During this time is was able to get several good looks at the deer to confirm that this is what i came to Pike County for. Once i made up my mind that this was the deer i wanted to put my Illinois tag on, i knew that i was going to have to calm my nerves in order to make a good shot. I had several chances to shoot this deer at 30 yards, but with patience,the good Lord presented me with a 15 yard nearly broadside shot that put this stud on the ground. And as a bonus, i self filmed the entire hunt and kill on video. Needless to say, this was an incredible start to a 5 day hunt!

Second Day- Fifth Day:

Due to the fact that i filled my tag on the first morning, i decided i was going to spend the remainder of the week filming my dad. This trip was one that he and i talked about for the past decade (no joke). Therefore, i wanted to spend as much time with him as possible on and off the stand. Over the course of the hunt we saw several good bucks and a couple shooters at a distance out of bow range. Overall, the deer movement was very good. Bucks were really on the move and searching for does. With that being said, the weather was not so good. We had nearly 30+ mph winds blowing every day, along with 2 days of constant rain. The tough weather conditions were something completely out of our control. As hunters, all we can do is adapt to the situation and hunt hard.

Although Dad never filled his tag, it does NOT mean this hunt was a failure. This trip was much more than a mission to kill two monster bucks. This was about my Dad and me walking away with some incredible memories that will last forever. My dad is the reason i fell in love with hunting and the outdoors. Therefore without him, this trip never would have taken place. We had an awesome time at Heartland Lodge. If you are interested in a great hunting experience with huge deer, wonderful staff and accommodations, and fantastic food, you need to call the guys up at Harpoles Heartland Lodge. You will not regret it. My buddy Matt Brunett can assist you in any way, so be sure and call them to schedule your next hunt.

-John

Chambers Co., AL 10/28 & 10/29

This was our morning view!

This weekend John and I headed to East Alabama for a little football and bow hunting. Our plan was to hunt Saturday and Sunday morning. On Saturday morning, after a stop for some gas station coffee, we headed up the road to Chambers County. It was John's turn to launch an arrow and I was running camera. The temperatures on Saturday were in the mid 40's with 20-25 mph gusting winds. It wasn't exactly the most ideal hunting conditions but we were determined. The morning was super slow! We didn't see the first bird or squirrel because of the wind. There were times when I had to sit down in my stand because the wind was rocking our tree so much, I thought I would fall. (Thats why we always wear a safety harness) The morning had been so slow we agreed, that if a big ole doe walked up we would take her. At about 8:50 I saw a doe coming towards us from the east. By the time I had them in the camera frame we realized there were 5 deer in the group running towards us. They moved quickly and we barely had time to capture decent footage. They passed behind a large cluster of small trees and then into an opening. John was able to quickly stop them and sling an arrow. It all happend so fast! We saw the doe lurch like she'd been hit and took off in a different direction from the other 4. We gave her plenty of time before we climbed down. We found the arrow, small blood, and a pile of hair. From looking at the arrow, and going back to look at the footage, we didn't think it was a great hit. We found a good blood trail and proceeded to follow it. About 2 hours and 3/4ths of a mile later the blood trail dried up. Needless to say we were extremly frustrated.

We talked about it later and it all happened so fast. John ranged several of the surrounding trees earlier in the morning to get a good feel for shooting distances. However, because the wind was blowing so hard and it happened so fast, the shot was a little off. I guess that's how hunting goes sometimes! Its tough because John and I know we owe it to the animal to make an ethical harvest, but if you hunt long enough these things happen sometimes.

We cannot dwell on the frustrations of the weekend (got completely skunked on Sunday). Next week the crew heads to Illinois to hunt the rut in Pike County at Harpole's Heartland Lodge. Check them out here http://www.heartlandlodge.com/.

Camera #1 ready!

My view of John.

Gonna be hanging stands this evening in Chambers Co., AL...weather is looking like it could work out perfect.