Post by GREG on Mar 8, 2020 13:02:12 GMT -5
I figured I should start another thread instead of cluttering up an existing one with my sometime long winded posts. Many of you from the original board know that I had twin girls. They are alike in many ways but oh so different too. Aside from their looks, they both have a passion for Karate. Kaitie (Daddy's Girl) will be testing for her black belt this October while Kassie, (Mommy's Girl) will be testing for her third degree black belt in October of 2021 (Kassie started a few years earlier than Kaitie). Back in 2005 I had just picked up my Marlin 336 Carbine in 30-30 and just finished getting it ready for the season. Since both the girls were dressed in cammo I figured it was a good opportunity for a photo op.
So, this year I got myself a new hunting partner who is extremely energetic and enthusiastic. She is very much into shooting, reloading, fishing, and more importantly, me, her Dad. While this was her first season and we didn't take home anything, it was the most rewarding and memorable season I ever had in where only other Dad's could fully appreciate. When we talked about what firearm she wanted she rummaged through the safes and decided on the 30-30. However, she wanted a scope on it. I cringed at the thought of adding glass to a carbine 30-30 as it was a great walk around woods rifle with iron sights. Needless to say, Kaitie won that discussion and I reluctantly put a scope on it.
We both broke out the reloading equipment from moth balls and setup shop. She took to the whole process like a seasoned reloader and took the time to make sure everything was just right. Of course she had a great teacher . We worked up about a dozen various loads and spent three days at the range testing them. After we found a load that worked well she spent a fourth day practicing and sighting the rifle in for her. I was amazed at just how well she picked it all up. This is her 100-yard target pushing 150-grain bullets at about 1900 fps.
So my little girl has become a very good shot after only with about 6 hours of trigger time, and while she didn't get the chance to shoot a deer this past season, she is already looking forward to next season, that is after we get through the Spring Stripped Bass fishing season. As for my old Marlin 30-30, it has now become Kaitie's firearm and I don't think she will ever give that up. I am so proud of her in passing her hunting course with a 98 (beating out all the boys and men in the class), learning to reload and shooting so well. The only thing that would top it off is to have her get a deer next season.
We both broke out the reloading equipment from moth balls and setup shop. She took to the whole process like a seasoned reloader and took the time to make sure everything was just right. Of course she had a great teacher . We worked up about a dozen various loads and spent three days at the range testing them. After we found a load that worked well she spent a fourth day practicing and sighting the rifle in for her. I was amazed at just how well she picked it all up. This is her 100-yard target pushing 150-grain bullets at about 1900 fps.
So my little girl has become a very good shot after only with about 6 hours of trigger time, and while she didn't get the chance to shoot a deer this past season, she is already looking forward to next season, that is after we get through the Spring Stripped Bass fishing season. As for my old Marlin 30-30, it has now become Kaitie's firearm and I don't think she will ever give that up. I am so proud of her in passing her hunting course with a 98 (beating out all the boys and men in the class), learning to reload and shooting so well. The only thing that would top it off is to have her get a deer next season.
OK, time to step of the bragging bandwagon. Just wanted to share my excitement as a father for my new hunting partner.