Hunting is an actiivity that is shared and enjoyed by many.  For the last 15 years, our family has discovered the joy of hunting in a different way.  In 1993, my uncle (my dad's only brother) arranged a pheasant hunting trip in Sublette, Kansas.  A small farm town in the south west corner of Kansas. 

His vision for the hunt was simple.  A father and son trip for the King family.  This included my uncle, father, my three brothers and my cousin.  The ultimate family father and son outing.  Some of the details include all of us traveling from different US cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Denver.  Getting there via road trip added to the extreme fun. 

From Dallas, our trip begins at 3:30 am day 1.  We drive with my cousin, his son, my brother and father.  Since Dallas is a hub for flights, it's easy for us to meet and drive in a loaded Suburban.  The 500 mile trip is easy when we are all anticipating the next four days of fun.  The stories and jokes last all the way to our destination. 

Upon arrival, we are met by our hosts at Lazy J Hunting.  We all stay in a plush converted basement complete with large bedrooms, pool table and TV. Plenty of space to relax and spend time catching up and telling more stories. Lazy J Hunting provide outstanding facilities and amazing homecooked meals for breakfast and lunch.  Our evening includes dinner at the local Cattleman's Cafe hosted by wonderful local wait-staff making us feel like we are locals. 

Our hunt each day includes guides, dogs, transportation and plenty of birds.  Lazy J has access to 15,000 acres in the middle of the best habitat for pheasant in the country.  We typically have our limits by lunch time each day. 

The highlight of the trip is during each evening when we reflect on our time in the field along with listening to our dads telling and retelling stories from their lifetime.  My uncle was a WWII vet and POW.  We are in awe everytime he recounts his liberation by General Patton along with how he bailed out of his B17 as a bombardier. There is always time to confess our youthful adventures but not without censorship due to the young ears of our 15 year old sons. 

After 15 years, it never seems to get old and each year reminds us how important investing in family relationships is.  I know not everyone likes to hunt but to our familiy, hunting is more than a sport.