Hunting, Roles and Life Passions

Amy Staggs says her recent hunt for exotics at the Texas Hunt Lodge was a truly special experience, and not just because she took this great roan antelope. Here’s her story:

This hunt was significant to me for several reasons. It was my first-ever archery hunt. My husband, who introduced me to archery 13 years ago, was on the hunt with me. Also, my guide was my son, Brody, and he was introduced to the outdoors 13 years ago. Talk about things coming back full circle!

The hunt itself was truly intense from day one. Roan are incredible animals and tough. We were watching a roan bull from about 120 yards away when we caught the movement of a zebra walking towards us. The roan snorted and stomped. He saw us. Busted. That was all for day one.

On day two, we spotted the beauty I took. There is such a difference between what constitutes an ethical shot with a rifle and what makes an ethical archery shot. Everything needed to align perfectly, and I had to trust my training and practice.

The opportunity presented itself and suddenly my role with my son was switched. I was no longer the teacher-mom, and he was now the teacher-son. Brody called out my yardage, “Forty-five yards, Mom. Breath!”

As a mom, I can’t ask for more than for my kids to find the path God has called them to and see them following the passion He has placed within them. Watching my son do his thing, keep hunters (me) calm and ready, then celebrating their experience with them, it was obvious that is what his passion is all about.

I cannot thank my husband Karl, Texas Hunt Lodge and my son, Brody Mann, guide extraordinaire, enough for all they did to make this moment happen.