Born in '51. Dad was a civil engineer 'til he got sick of working at Savannah River Site, which was under construction at the time, when he moved back here to Grandaddy's farm in '53 and moved in the old farm house and built a big country store. I was raised half by him and Mama in that country store and half by Grandaddy on the farm. Great childhood. I still live in the old house, remodeled now, which was built in 1875, and have farmed the place all my life. My youngest son farms with me. I'm truly blessed.

Grew up hunting and fishing with Grandaddy and his friends. First gun was a .410 double. May have been a handicap but the hundreds of doves, quail, squirrel and rabbits never knew it. Neither did I. Just made me try harder I think.

Have shot competitively in several disciplines for about 25 years, but now only sporting clays. Have hunted all the game available to us in S.E. Jawja, but now only shoot things that fly ('cept stray housecats, and they can really jump high) and armadillos (they really jump high, too).

Good thread, Chuck.

May God bless America and those who defend her.