arg Report post Posted November 6, 2013 Today I am writing in to congratulate my brother-in-law, Dakota. Let me first start off by saying that this hunt (successful one) was meant to be and deserved by no other man in my eyes. Dakota and his wife, Amanda welcomed their first child into the world July 18,2012. Gunner was a beautiful baby boy. Sadly, at two weeks old Gunner was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer known as AT/RT. Gunner and his parents were life-flighted from Show Low to Banner Cardon’s in Mesa, and that is where the next 9 months and 4 days were spent. Hour by hour, day by day, we watched Dakota and his wife go through something that I have no words to describe. Their son fought for his life and showed positive signs of beating his cancer. We were all blessed to have the little one out of the hospital for a few short weeks of which we were able to celebrate Christmas as a family. Unfortunately, the day after Christmas Gunner showed signs of concern and that is when we learned the tumor had come back and was larger now. Despite this, Gunner remained strong (especially from the love and support of his parents). To keep a long story short, Dakota was down here with Gunner until he passed April 22. With all hope lost we were all concerned for Dakota and his wife. This loss is something that no one should have to go through. Well, Dakota loves to hunt (and that is something he sacrificed during Gunners treatment)....this is the only one thing that was able to get his mind off of things, out in the great outdoors...and that he did. Once he found out that he had been drawn for deer he spent numerous hours and days out in the woods preparing (this was also his way of mourning). As you can see from the pictures Dakota took down a well deserved buck. We are all so proud of him and feel that God truly played a roll in this successful hunt. Also, if you will look closely, Dakota had made an antler necklace of which holds some of Gunner’s ashes. Gunner (Big Guns) was on that hunt with him and will be on many more. 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted November 6, 2013 Very sad story. I am sorry for the loss of Gunner. Congrats to Dakota on a well deserved buck. Pretty cool that he has that necklace antler to always have Gunner with him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elkhunter1 Report post Posted November 6, 2013 Words can not describe what sadness is felt right now. I too have lost a child and know what the wilds hold and share with you when you just sit quiet and listen. Congrats on your and Gunners amazing Coues. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
couesdeerhntr Report post Posted November 6, 2013 Sorry to here about your lose. Congrats on a beautiful buck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gotcoues Report post Posted November 6, 2013 Definitely not prepared to read this story this morning. I am very sorry for the loss of your nephew and such a tragic loss for your whole extended family. It brought tears to read this story. That's a great deer and hopefully it will be a step to find a way to cope with loss of his son and somehow move on. I can't even imagine how painful this must be. God Bless and may Big Guns, Gunner rest in piece. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
5nRamirez Report post Posted November 6, 2013 It's amazing what the great outdoors can do to bring peace to the soul. I lost a 4 month old nephew 2 days before my grandpa and one year after loosing my mom.but hunting and camping has brought peace back into our lives. My condolences to you and your family. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
capoeirajosh Report post Posted November 6, 2013 The biggest congrats on an amazing buck. I am so sorry to hear about Gunner. :-( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grungeisdead Report post Posted November 6, 2013 Congratulations and condolences in the same post. Ugh. Incredibly sad. Very well deserved buck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle Eye Report post Posted November 6, 2013 Sad story but one heck of a buck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
izquik72 Report post Posted November 6, 2013 Tough read. I do thank you for sharing. Your title says it all "Well Deserved Buck" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PelaPapas Report post Posted November 6, 2013 Very sorry for the loss of your nephew. Congrats to your brother on a beautiful buck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
randyolson Report post Posted November 6, 2013 That was a very nice and unfortunately sad story that you told!! Sorry to hear about Gunner!! I am sure he is in a wonderful place! GOD Bless!!!! The deer is fantastic!!! Congrats and thanks for sharing the story and pics!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
willhunt4coues Report post Posted November 6, 2013 That has to be tough. I can't even imagine what they went through. That buck is a WELL deserved buck. Congrats and Gunner will always be with you and your family. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildwoody Report post Posted November 6, 2013 priceless and speechless, keep pushen on Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted November 6, 2013 Congratulations on your buck! The antler necklace with Gunner's ashes is cool. Way to take him with you. What a tragedy. I pray your family can heal from such a loss. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
