We called it "the creek" growing up, but that was most likely because the title "creek" made the reality of this two mile long rock filled, mud walled "stream" sound much better then what it actually was - a rainwater drainage ditch... Regardless - I'll credit that thin stretch of woods, full of bike trails, poison ivy and perfectly round slingshot rocks to my love for the woods and the water.

I grew up fishing - I'll never forget the trips to Tablerock, Taneycomo and Norfolk lake as a kid, but back then it was just good ol' fun - I had no idea that there would be a point in my life when I would not be able to fall asleep due to nervous excitement the night before a local catfish tournament - my wife is truly convinced I have a disease with no cure.

Real "hunting" didn't happen until my late teens - Rob taught me the basics; how to spot and stalk a fox squirrel, how to load and safely handle a firearm, proper shot placement and most importantly how to convince grandma to make us her famous squirrel dumplings after our hunt was over. It was with his generosity and natural sales ability that I received a brand new Reminton 597 .22 long rifle for my next birthday.

I bought my first bow at a pawn shop in Hazelwood Missouri - Their selection was pretty slim but it really didn't matter since the only bow on the shelf that really had any appeal to me was this awesome black and white camo clad tank made by Browing that came fully set up with a not so detachable quiver, a old bronze pin sight and 5 odd lengthed arrows. I needed a bow quick since Jason invited me to hunt with him on his folks place in Lincoln County MO the upcoming weekend. A short phone call to Jason confirmed he approved my selection and I was off to the practice range with no conception of draw weight, string length, a peep sight or kiser button...

In 2004 I harvested my first deer, a knee knocking 20 yard arrow at a perfectly broadside 3 point spike on Rob's place near Hillsboro. We recovered the deer well after dark and I'll never forget being lifted off the ground with emotion, both mentally (and physically). At that moment, the time I had invested in the field, learning by mistake, came to full circle. More importantly - the time both friends and strangers had invested in me, teaching me by word and by example, was brought to my realization.

My passion for the outdoors is so much deeper then a successful harvest or testing the tenacity of my $19 Cherrywood rod on a 5lb bass - it's about sharing those experiences with you, friend or stranger and preserving those moments in time to be passed on to a fellow outdoorsmen, better yet, future outdoorsmen as was once passed to me along this awesome journey...