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About Andy Milam
Born in Houston Texas, May 21st 1958
I have been hooked on hunting since an early age. I shot my first deer with a bow when I was 15 years old. I actually don't remember how old I was when I got my first bow but I would think 4th or 5th grade. I wanted, and received, a Shakespeare recurve bow for my birthday. The first victim was a neighborhood cat( who survived) then birds on the power lines and later rabbits and squirrels.
I was very lucky to be raised in a home which supported my adventurous spirit. My Father put in 37 years with the Houston Police force and retired a Deputy Chief. He still helps me today at my Outfitting business in Saskatchewan. My poor mother had 5 of us to run herd over so raising kids was her full time job.
My best friend as a youngster, Michael Chapline, had a family that loved to hunt and I was lucky enough to get to tag along. A great deer lease in Gonzales County Texas, flanked by the Guadalupe River became our playground. Michael 's older brother Phillip, went to work partime for an Archery shop in Houston. In those days, early '70's, archery shops were quite rare . I can remember seeing my first compound which was quite an oddity back in those days. My first deer was taken with a Bear Kodiak Hunter recurve. It was several years later that I bought my first compound bow. a Bear "Alaskan".
I still laugh when I picture the many misses that were made in those early days. I had arrows going over, behind, under and in front of deer like crazy. Thanks to a great hunting spot and a strong will I got many opportunities but rarely was able to capitalize on them. The first little buck I shot was almost a self defense maneuver as the little guy almost ran over me kneeling in the tall grass. Regardless my Bear broadhead tipped arrow cut a perfect + mark through his heart. I threw the little buck over my shoulders and skipped back to the jeep. When I burst through the camp-house door everyone was having breakfast and shocked looks were on everyone's faces. Unbeknownst to me I was covered in blood and they thought I had a terrible accident. Anyway I was hooked on hunting and especially bowhunting for life.
I have never stopped bowhunting while I'm certainly not allergic to gunpowder. I love to hunt, period.
I have had very productive years as well as some very unproductive, but have learned that through persistence, practice and dedication that the good and sometimes even great years come. I have also learned that when you are feeling like you have it all figured out is when you are most likely to be humbled. Thank God for every day. There's really no such thing as a bad day hunting.
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