Before most people even wake up, senior Landon Apple is often already in the woods, continuing a hunting tradition his family has practiced for years.
He enjoys deer hunting, using the calm mornings outdoors to think clearly and step away from a busy daily life routine.
“I like hunting deer because of the peace and quiet, and when you get one, you get a big old rack because of antlers,” Apple said.
Sometimes trips don’t go as planned, as bad weather, flooding and missed chances can turn a hopeful hunting trip into a not-so-fun time sitting in water.
“We went once, and our entire deer stand was flooded, and we had to sit at high water for 30 minutes,” Apple said.
His interest in hunting began with his grandfather, whose quiet guidance and early mornings in the woods turned a simple activity into a lasting tradition built on patience, respect and time spent together.
“My grandpa likes to do it, and I like to go out with my grandpa,” Apple said. “I’ve been doing it for over 10 years now.”
His favorite hunting memory was catching a buck with his grandpa, a moment that stands out not for the hunt itself, but for the shared smiles, quiet excitement and strong bond they built together that day in the woods.
“My favorite memory is when me and my grandpa, when we caught our first buck,” Apple said.
Through years of hunting, Apple learned from time spent outdoors, with each trip offering experiences that stay with him long after he left the woods and returned to everyday life.
“Patience, how to pick out a deer from a tree line,” Apple said.
He said hunting deer was the most challenging, requiring careful timing and steady focus and making each season in the woods more demanding than expected.
“If they smell you or hear anything, they will start running away immediately,” Apple said.
But there are benefits outside of just spending time in nature.
“I say food is my favorite part of the tradition because you can kill a deer and cook him up and eat him, and it taste really good,” Apple said.
From early mornings in the woods to stories told at home, his love for hunting remained his favorite family tradition.
