Life Lessons From Bubby

Don't Let History Repeat Itself

 There are many methods in which we can learn. The key is finding which method best suits you. Most, if not all learning methods appeal to the senses. Some learn better visually, others through hearing, and so on.  Same can be said Biblically, Simon Peter was a close friend and Apostle of Jesus. You know what method best suited Simon? He learned things the hard way! Jesus told his disciples that he would suffer and die, yet Simon told Jesus that he shouldn't die. His comments showed his complete ignorance and misunderstanding of the atonement. Simon promised Jesus that he would never forsake Him, yet he did so three times. Simon Peter may have made some mistakes, but he learned from those mistakes and moved forward.

Now we come to the Simon Peter of this story, Travis Shirer or in some circles, Bubby.  Travis is a close friend of mine and an avid bow hunter. In many respects, he has taught me most of what I know about hunting. Yet, on November 6, 2012, Bubby would make a big mistake. In an attempt to move in on where he thought the deer were moving, he took his self climber to a timber bottom and set up. No he wasn't winded, the deer never picked up on his scent, his mistake was more tragic. He wasn't able to cut any shooting lanes, a big 9 pointer came in around sundown, and Travis was left trying to make a shot through a thick, wooded area. Bubby's miss could have been avoided if proper shooting lanes were cut out.

Here is a picture of a deer that we think could have been the deer or at least very similar to the deer that Travis shot at.

Like Simon, Bubby would learn and move forward from this hunting experience. The next week, November 13, 2012 and the last day of his vacation, Bubby tagged a buck. This time he was hunting at a different location, he set up his climber, but you better believe he brought a hand saw with him this time! He made the necessary adjustments, cut some small trees down and began his morning hunt. Around 10:00 am he spotted a deer coming his way. Within moments, Travis stood up with old faithful (PSE Nova) in hand. The buck had come directly under his stand. Travis went to full draw, let it go, and hit the deer in the spine, dropping it instantly. It was an adrenaline rush, a great lesson learned, a successful hunt, and a blessing from God.

Here is Travis with his 2012 buck