Dave is a common hard working man.He started his family young and taught his son and daughter to live a life of honor.He is the man whom alot of the family members look up to.In the mid 70's he was the one that drove an old blue Dodge school bus every year up to the South woods in Potter county so that the family could hunt out of it a base camp for deer season.He taught his only son the skills and patience of the hunter.He may not have known the gift of teaching his son would be so treasured but that would all change as the years went by.Dave had taken alot of deer in his years of hunting.Several small spikes are still in a jar as reminders of deer harvested in Potter county.Several six and 4 points are on the wall as reminders of past hunts in the hills of Washington county.A 3 point hangs on the wall also that was taken on a hunt in Warren county.Many handshakes of good luck were exchanged in the dark as father and son went seperate ways in the predawn.The deer of a lifetime was still out there waiting on him.That would all change on Dec.13,2008.Dave quietly snuck up on the buck on that cold Greene county morning.As his son watched on the 30.06 rang out again loud in the morning air.The buck went 10 yards and dropped.As his son and he approached the downed deer tears filled both of their eyes and they hugged so hard it sounded like two mighty oaks clashing together in a mighty wind storm.They both sat and reflected on what had just taken place.It was special moment for all involved.His son then started the process of field dressing the buck in return for the ones Dave had done for him in years past.This buck was different than all the others he had taken.Now alot of folks may not have seen the greatness of this buck but they did.Some may be think at this point of a 120 class buck or larger.This was bigger than that.The buck taken today will not make any record books nor be seen in picture to awe others. Being a young button buck some may even downplay the days events. But it will be treasued more than any deer ever taken.Three years after suffering a stroke in the woods Dave was back filling his tag.When the stroke occured no one thought he would ever be able to go again.His son thought that was the last time they would hunt as a father and son.AS much as both of them wanted it somehow it did not seem possible.You see he proved all things are possible yesterday.Some will say it is a button buck and should have been left to grow in the woods to become a large trophy buck..I say it was a buck of a lifetime for a man who overcame alot of things.Spirit of the hunt is the feeling I experienced watching Dad take what will be his final deer.He stated now he can quit hunting on his own terms and not be made to quit by health.You see a buck of a lifetime does not have to be a wall hanger it just has to be the one that makes the hunter proudest, the one that lasts forever in memory.I love you Dad. Thanks for giving me the chance to be with you and thanks for making the spirit of the hunt what it should be.All of my life that moment will be the one that comes back to mind and tears will fill my eyes and a smile will show on my face.I am proud to be your son.