Happy New Year to all, especially to huntingfamiles everywhere. We are ready to start a new year with our bi-weekly #huntingfamilyfriday interviews.
For the first one of 2014 - we'd like to introduce you to the Confer family of Allegheny Township, PA. Hunting Dad Craig (63) and his son, CJ (28 years) have been hunting together since CJ was 12 years old. But they include their close friends as part of their hunting family - like life long father& son friends Jerry & Jon Koch as well as father & sons Kevin, Eric, and Robbie Plowman.
Dad Craig and son CJ
Dad Craig told us that he learned to hunt at age 12 from his own father and then continued hunting with his brother-in-laws through the years. He then taught his son CJ as a child. Craig mentioned, "I also hope that I had some influence on the [friends] Koch's decision to hunt; Jon to start and Jerry to re-start."
Dad Craig with a turkey in 1992.
Jon Koch, son CJ, and Dad Craig
Craig prefers archery deer season and says that his most important outdoor gear is a good pair of boots and quality clothing.
Hunting and fishing has always been important in the Confer family. Craig took both CJ and his daughter, Kiersten, to hunter safety courses where, "Kier became a Junior Instructor of which I am very proud." She later decided not to continue hunting, but Dad Craig and CJ have hunted together since his son was 12. "Being there for my son's 1st buck," was listed among Craig's favorite hunting memories over the years.
Hunting Dad Craig and his son CJ in 1998
Craig also made mention of hunting with his brother-in-laws as as some of his favorite hunting & fishing memories. "Hunting and fishing done correctly can become more than a hobby, it becomes one of the most important things in life. It gives you incentive to do well in all facets of life so that you can enjoy the outdoors even more."
Craig (far left) with some of his 'fishing family'
Wife/Mom Donis working on some target practice with Jon and Craig watching
Craig and his family own a cabin (fondly known as Mt. JAC) in Allegheny National Forest, Tionesta, PA in which the whole crew (family and many dear friends) has spent endless weekends there together for the past 26 years. "All of my family enjoys camp and the stories and memories of that place...are worth their weight in gold," Craig told us.
a view of the river at Mt. JAC
Late nights with drinks, laughing, and games with the whole 'hunting family' at Mt. JAC
When asked about the lessons he hopes to preserve about hunting and fishing for generations to come, Craig said, "Just the closeness that outdoorsmen share and the memories that last a lifetime, even long after some of your closest hunting friends are gone."
Dad Craig
A big thank you to the Confer family for their interview for #huntingfamilyfriday. This is an example of a family that raised their cabin kids up in the woods and the river! What wonderful, lifelong memories they have created for their hunting & fishing family - as defined by both blood and/or love. We are fortunate to get a peek into your life!
If you are part of a hunting family and would like to be interviewed, please email us at thehuntingdaddies@gmail.com for more details.