Here's a question... Do you have fishing / hunting gear that has special meaning to you? Prized treasures that was used often by previous generations and now has found it's way to your household. Equipment that has been handed down with the expectation that it will be cherished for years to come. A fishing pole once handled frequently with love that now sits on a shelf on display, taken out and looked upon from time to time wishing that it could speak of the memories it holds. I will confess. I find myself wondering what it would be like to catch a trout lured by the fly dancing on the end of that line.
Yesterday we went for a bike ride along the Arkansas river, and I believe I eyed the perfect spot down by the shore that is calling my name. (I've also recently discovered that since fly rods fold up nicely and can fit in a saddle bag, there is no problem taking the Harley fishing after all!)
So, what cherished treasures do you possess? And do those treasures sit on shelves displayed in honor OR do you still use them for everyday fishing / hunting trips? I am torn on this one. I would love to try out the fishing pole that once was carried on horseback to a mountain stream to catch the fish of the day. Or to use the rifle so many members in the family have used to shoot their elk / deer. However, I also want to have the opportunity to pass these treasures on to the next generation yet to come. I want them to remain unharmed. You see, there is a little fear in me that being new to fishing, I may cast a certain pole right out of my hands and watch with horror as the rod is engulfed by the river waters. So, the question remains and I am not yet satisfied with what the correct answer is. Maybe, it is enough to encourage my husband to use the rod that was once held in his grandfather's hands. I would be okay with just documenting the event in photos... safely from the shore just taking it all in.
P.s. In case you were wondering... Yes, the Copenhagen can in the above photo is a prized possession in my house. This specific long cut will remain safely on display, as it contains the half can of chew from when my husband quit 7 years ago. Don't worry, I'm not torn about whether or not this should be used or remain on display. It stays on the shelf.
This is a hard one. I'm not really sure what the right answer is. Honestly, I can see your point about not wanting to use them, but it almost seems wrong to not use them. Like I said, this one is a hard one.
ReplyDeleteI think the deep desire would get the best of me, though, and I would have to take them to their rightful place and use them......just be careful.
I say use it. Passing an heirloom that is not used by a generation or two has the potential to be meaningless to the recipient. On the other hand, if you use it you have the potential to add to the lore of that object. It will have more stories and a closer family connection making it that much more significant.
ReplyDeleteWhen shopping for a shotgun a couple years ago, I held some guns that had beautiful wood stocks and engraved barrels. I told the gunsmith that I would be afraid to use something that nice because it could get scratched or ruined. He said they should all be used - that's what they are made for. Good advice, but I went with the matte black Benelli M2 anyway (my prized possession)because in hunting, like in architecture, form follows function. And the day it ceases to function, it will no longer be a prized possession.
This is a tough one! I have an old Mitchell rod and reel that my grandfather used 40 - 50 years ago, but I'm pretty sure I won't be using it. I have it fairly cleaned up and that's where it's staying, worthless or not. It might even be older than that.
ReplyDeleteI also have a Mossberg 20-gauge bolt action shotgun that was my first gun about 30 years ago, and it was bought used. I still use it and will continue to do so until it's time for a grandkid to use.
Josh has it right for guns. They were made to be used. Fishing rods, I'm not so sure about. Seems they would degenerate faster, so save them for the memories.
The more I think about it, I agree with the keeping the fishing rod on the shelf. It is truly a treasure regardless if it is still used.
ReplyDeleteGuns - yes, they should be used.
Thanks for the advice everyone! Enjoy those prized possessions in your household.
Two points:
ReplyDelete1) I have a 30-06 that my grandfather sporterized from a M1903A3 in the 1950s. It is what I consider the perfect elk rifle--I won't go into that here. I used to use it all the time, but the last elk I killed with it was about 2002. Now it sits in the gun safe. Probably never use it hunting again.
2) Your Copenhagen can reminds me of a moment over 20 years ago. Ron Mills and I used to shoe thousands of horses together. Ranchers, outfitters, Fish and Game and Forest Service. One day, Ron had run out of Copenhagen and an old timer that sometimes travelled with us--Chester--offered Ron some of his. Ron took it, put it in his lip and went back to shoeing. Then Ron remembered something, left the barn and spit it out. Chester had a habit of taking his used chew from his mouth and putting it back in his can before meals. Ron didn't chew anything the rest of the day!
Dennis - I also have a 30-06, however it wasn't "sporterized from a M1903A3". Quite honestly, I'm not sure what that means, but it sounds cool. ;)
ReplyDeletere the Copenhagen - That is priceless! One thing I was thankful for when my husband used to chew is that he would never spit it out in a bottle or glass. Nasty! However, this is another reason why I'm glad he quit. Stomaching that stuff had to have done a number on his stomach.
My maternal grandfather's cane fly rod: http://fearsclave.livejournal.com/295772.html
ReplyDeleteI also have his fly wallets.