This past hunting season was particularly enjoyable for Industry Habitat Manager, Jay Keck, and his sons. In addition to hunting doves and deer, they decided to try their luck squirrel hunting in order to spend more time in the outdoors together. It had been over thirty years since Jay had actively pursued squirrels with his father, so connecting his past with his present by taking both of his sons hunting, was truly a special time for him.

Having outfitted a new .22 Ruger with a Vortex scope, they were able to harvest a "mess" of squirrels, and were easily able feed all of the family, which included Jay's mother and father, to a delicious homemade squirrel and dumplings feast! Decades old stories were told by his father around the table about hunting with Jay and his older sister, and even their cat, "Kitty".

Jay's family carried on the tradition of taking their pet when they had their silver lab, Tulip, join them on one of the hunts near Batesburg-Leesville. It's amazing how hunting and spending time in the field (and around a dinner table) can strengthen our relationships with friends and family. Jay and his boys are eagerly awaiting next winter's squirrel season, but will find plenty of time in the outdoors looking at all of the non-game species waking up from their winter break to breed!