Seldom are sequels to movies as good as the originals they are based upon, at least in my opinion. Do you remember “Jaws?” Then there was Jaws 2, Jaws 3, Jaws the Revenge, Cruel Jaws, and perhaps even more. I always thought the first one was the best and they decreased in quality with each sequential movie. I still remember jumping out of my seat when that big fish jumped out of the water behind the boat. Then there was the mini-series Lonesome Dove. This is an epic series that is still popular today. Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, along with an outstanding cast of other actors, portray two retired Texas Rangers and their adventures driving a cattle herd from Texas to Montana. I’m certain you are familiar with this western novel turned into a series. Its sequel, “Return to Lonesome Dove,” received mixed reviews and rarely do you ever hear it mentioned, much less watched, when compared to the original.
It’s extremely difficult, many times, to improve upon the best. However, this is a different story when it comes to our outdoor world and our hunting heritage. Here is a sequel that is as good as the first. Let me explain and see if you don’t agree.
Four years ago, I wrote an article about Hayes Lloyd, daughter of Ryan and Ann Hamilton Lloyd, and Hayes’ first whitetail she harvested. Her first cousin, Sara Tounzen Collins, daughter of Kendall and Callie Collins, was only four at the time. When Sara Tounzen saw Hayes’ first deer, and the story that went along with the hunt, she made the statement that she wanted to go deer hunting too. Well, four years later, this driven little girl accomplished just that. Before I go into details, let me back up 40 years so you’ll know the entire story regarding these two young ladies, how I know them, and where their inspiration for the woods came from.
In 1983 I met Hayes’ and Sara Tounzen’s grandfather, Bruce Pittman, on a bow hunt at Westervelt Lodge near Aliceville, Ala. In fact, on this hunt, I harvested my first deer with archery equipment, but this story is not about me. For the entire hunt, I got to know Bruce and we connected not only through our careers in crop consulting, but also through our love for hunting and fishing. We were sitting in the den of the lodge just talking, as everyone was packing trucks to go our separate ways after the hunt. I asked Bruce if he liked to turkey hunt. He stated he loved turkey hunting and I promised to call him the next spring and he could hunt with me. I kept my promise and we have been hunting together ever since. So now you have a refresher course on how our relationship was established. Let’s move forward.
Bruce and Donna, his wife, have three daughters. I have already mentioned the first two, and their third is Eleanor. I have watched these ladies grow up for decades. They also have a love for the outdoors, and I was present when all three harvested their first whitetails. In fact, I still have their pictures in my collection of hunting photographs. These are true photos when we used to take pictures with a real camera and not just with our cell phones. When another generation entered this world, this being Bruce’s and Donna’s granddaughters, Bruce went back to coaching and mentoring to introduce Hayes and Sara Tounzen to the hunting world just as he did with his daughters. I’ve always said, if you plant good seed, they’ll sprout and grow. And so, they have. Hayes has had her day in the sun, and it was now time for the youngest to blossom in the deer woods.
Sara Tounzen is all hands-on deck regarding any endeavor she takes on. You should see her on the softball field. Competitive, driven, focused, and intent, are just a few words that describe her demeanor. With glove on her hand, or bat on her shoulder, she’s ready. There is no room for second place, for she is out to win. Sara T gets this honest, for her PePop, Bruce, is built the same way. You wouldn’t know she’s only a second grader at Madison Ridgeland Academy, based on her focus.
Bruce began working with her several years ago regarding her shooting and marksmanship. He would tell me stories of their shooting sessions, beginning with a .22 rifle. The more she practiced the better she got. Bullseye became second nature. She listened intently on how to look through the scope, how to squeeze the trigger, and how to keep her head down and follow through after the shot. Though it took a few years, her day to be center stage in the woods was now at hand.
Sara Tounzen and Bruce headed to a stand for an afternoon sit the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Hayes didn’t want to miss out on the action, so she went with them to watch the entire ordeal unfold. As if on que, the small group of whitetails made their appearance. Noses were lifted into the wind checking for any signs of danger. The little huntress dared not move and sat still as a mouse waiting for the deer to make their move into the food plot. The coast seemed clear, and the whitetails soon began grazing on the tender shoots of oats and wheat. Now was the time for Sara Tounzen to make her move.
Though Bruce walked her through what to do just before the moment of truth, he never touched the rifle. She did it all on her own from holding the rifle, to finding her quarry in the scope, to squeezing the trigger. In fact, had he tried to help her, I am certain she would have declined his help wanting to do it on her own. She did just that. With the report of the rifle, Sara Tounzen collected her first venison of her career. A perfect shot at 90 yards made all the practice worthwhile. The picture Bruce sent me said it all.
She’ll always remember her first one, and so will the rest of her family. As meaningful as this hunt is for Sara T, right now I would venture to say it is pale in comparison to how Bruce feels watching his three daughters and two granddaughters harvest their first deer and being there with them. Their hunting heritage runs deep, but family and what it means, runs deeper. Congratulations Sara Tounzen, and I sure would like a pack of sausage from your first deer. I can’t wait to hear your story in person soon.
How blessed we are, to be able to share the woods with our children, grandchildren, and our best friends. I can say without a doubt, my best friends are those I have grown up with catching bluegills, hunting squirrels, chasing bucks, and tricking long-spurred gobblers. Bruce, you and I have watched many sunrises come to life when dawn was shattered by a spine-tingling gobble, and we have shared many sunsets loading bucks together. The stories are countless, and good Lord willing, we’ve got a bunch more to make and share. Kudos to you and your girls. Oh, I almost forgot. When is it going to be your turn, Donna? I’m sure Bruce will be glad to coach you as well. Until next time enjoy our woods and waters and remember, let’s leave it better than we found it.
