Just a quick note and a big Thank You to the TMLRA.  Ben and I took the kids on their 1st Black Powder Hunt in Mason.  Megan and Nathan both used their .36 rifle.  Nathan shot a Texas Dall and a Nubian Ibex.  Megan shot a Corsican Ram and a Navaho.
    Our kids have never hunted out of a stand.  We have always been in a pickup, walking/stalking or sitting.  We know this could have been a very easy hunt for the kids, but then it would have been over.  We told our guide we wanted to walk and spot and stalk the goats/rams.  He had no problem with this. 
    The first day we spent walking through the big granite rocks that can be found in the county.  As luck would have it both of the kids 1st picks would be in the same herd.  With Megan's being closer, she gets to shoot 1st.  With a quick hug and a very quick I'm sooo proud of you, we reload and are off after Nathan's.  This was a very good and long chase.  We had to run through the rocks single file.  Nathan had his gun, but for a while Ben was carrying shooting sticks which soon changed.  Nathan has been hunting since he turned 5 and I could really see a change in him.  With shooting sticks in one hand and rifle in the other he was off with Ben and the rest of us in tow.  He set up by himself and made a wonderful shot.  Day 1 was over and the kids have got their 1st Blackpowder Hunt under their belt. 
    The next day has us walking in a few rocks, nothing like the day before and at times very thick brush.  Nathan spots his pick but it spots us to and the race is on.  His pick gets in the thick stuff and we are forced to ease through looking and listening.  When we finally spot him he is and feeding away from us and a wonderful walking shot was made.  Pictures and hugs, reload and off again to find one for Megan.  She is still unsure which one of the 2 she has picked out she wants to shoot.  With a few, Daddy can’t I shoot both of them because I can’t decide which one to shoot, out of the way she picks the Corsican.  This one was a very tough animal, she has to shoot him 3 times.  She made a great shot every time in the vitals but he was just tough.  Day 2 over and the kids have once again passed Ben and I with their ability with a firearm. Kids 2 Blackpowder kills, parents Zero. 
    A very special thanks to Charlie and everyone at the T.M.L.R.A. for letting our kids shoot with them and all the help they have given us over these past years.  Thanks again. 

            Ben and Meredith

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