Hunting and Fishing Stories With My Dad Gene Elden Nelson

It's a rare hunting story my dad tells that doesn't include his good friend Jerry Woodland. So in this episode I ask my dad how they met, about favorite stories with Jerry, and which of them is the better hunter. 

My dad tells stories of why you shouldn't fixate on a tree while trying to shoot a deer, how a bad piece of luck in shooting at a blue grouse turned into a great piece of luck with a bull elk, and why his friend Jerry shouldn't have started hunting with a longbow.

My dad tells the story of how Jerry shot, skinned, and ate a squirrel, how Jerry's dad beat himself up for missing two great shots, and describes how to make your own arrows...and addresses the controversy of broadhead placement on your arrows.

My dad tells the story of how he — nearly accidentally — shot a bear with his bow and arrow, ranks bear meat alongside deer and elk (bear loses), and explains why he prefers archery over rifle hunting.

I talk with my Dad about why he seems to be able to catch fish even when nobody else can. His reasons have to do with skill, experience, and some suspicious ingredients.

Gene's got two fish over his mantle. I've looked at them ever since I was a kid, but apparently didn't even know what kind of fish they are. Until now.