The Old Man Can Still Shoot Straight

[Joel Russo]

Stole a few hours from the man yeasterday, and took my dad and friend out varmint hunting.

I've been trying to get my dad in the 1,000 yard club since he took up long range shooting a few years ago.

He's 84 years old, and finally came to the realization that his body will not allow him to chase critters on the mountain with me anymore. I think he enjoys varmint hunting more now than he ever did.

It was not a real productive day, as most of the local fields were not cut. We did manage to get him an 820 yard kill.

Since losing my hunting partner last year, I never take for granted the special times my dad and I spend together in the filed. I am truly greatful for the opportunity.

 

[jackem]

Nice post, Congrats to your Dad!

Jack

 

[Broz]

Congrats Joel to you and your Dad. Looks like a fun day to me for both of you. Thanks for sharing the story and great pics!!!

Jeff

 

[peashooter]

Joel,

Very nice! Time spent with our loved ones enjoying an activity both of you enjoy is a piece of heaven on earth. Good story and thanks for the reminder to enjoy fathers this weekend. Happy Father's day to all and spend time with them while you have them. God Bless

 

[WildRose]

Congrats all around. Enjoy your parents while they are here because they won't always be.

 

[T3-OleMan]

Cool. Treat him right. The big guy is putting tick marks on the clouds.

 

[ShooterMedic]

Great Post!!!

I agree every chance I have to shoot with my Old Man is a great memory

 

[Joel Russo]

Thanks guys. I need to find him a part time job... ever since he retired, he thinks I should be too.

 

[royinidaho]

Great post!!!

Around here, I'm the Old Man!

The post gives me hope.

 

[jtkratzer]

Awesome! I'd love to find some spots local to the Lancaster area to do some shooting like this. I'd need some instruction as I've never shot beyond 500.

 

[Joel Russo]

You should have a ton of farms in your area that would allow 500 yards plus...Start knocking on some doors, get permission, and I'll be happy to give you some instruction.

 

[jtkratzer]

You should have a ton of farms in your area that would allow 500 yards plus...Start knocking on some doors, get permission, and I'll be happy to give you some instruction.

I started using Google Maps with satellite to find places that looked promising for archery. I do need to do some knocking.

 

[Immortal]

Awesome shooting by your father. Nice pics of the country too.

BTW, tell me more about the rifle set ups you guys use.

Thanks.

 

[Joel Russo]

BTW, tell me more about the rifle set ups you guys use.

Thanks.

The rifles you see in the pictures are both 7mm's. One is a wildcat based off the .300 Wby, and the other is a 7 RUM. The one in the bench stock is the 7 RUM. At 84 years old, my father has difficulty shooting prone.. I found the best way for him to be successful in shooting this far, is to have him shoot from a portable bench. I've since replaced the NSX on the 7 RUM with a Schmidt & Bender. It's much easier on his eyes when the old groundhogs want to play "jack in the box".