During ThanXgiving we can begin to review another year, another tsunami of powerful memories, some great, some not so great, but nonetheless, in the final analysis, how we here in the United States of America have much to be thankful for.

During ThanXgiving we can begin to review another year, another tsunami of powerful memories, some great, some not so great, but nonetheless, in the final analysis, how we here in the United States of America have much to be thankful for.
For the first time in my lifetime, we have a family in the White House that knows us, respects us, believes in us and is actually one of us. No other demographic better represents our American values than the wonderful families so closely in touch with God’s miraculous creation as hands-on conservationists with our hunting, fishing and trapping lifestyle.
Campfires are always warming and inviting, the glowing coals and embers deeply penetrating the cold, weary bones after another great forest romp. My mind runs a-flutter with memories and visions of a lifetime of bright, flickering fire circles that still burn as clearly as this evening’s sparkle.
As we gaze astonished and heartbroken at the violent summer of 2020, we would be wise to increase our family campfire time and focus deeper into the flames to find the Spirit Warrior that resides in all of our souls.
If anything about the American Dream screams politics, it is our hunting rights, gun rights, private property rights and the freedom to participate in God’s miraculous creation of renewable conservation.
Backstraps and big bucks are wonderful, but securing the future of the America we love is far more important, and will ultimately determine if our kids and grandkids will even have the opportunities to enjoy what we often take for granted.
As the world burns all around us with the heartbreak of inexplicable violence and rampant crime and terrorism, hunting families fortified with the cumulative healing powers of nature participation can ride out this storm much better than those who have lost touch with important God, family, country priorities.
In my lifetime of sharing campfires with hunting families all around the world, the evidence is conclusive that for those of us who hunt and fish, the inescapable consequences of our actions teach us to be more caring, more thoughtful, better prepared, more careful and ultimately more responsible.
We have survived floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, blizzards, droughts, Y2K, post 9-11 horrors and pretty much all that Ma Nature and this crazy world can throw at us. We wish everyone good health, strong spirit and a long life. We also know that America can and will get through this terrible chapter.
I want you to know my younger brother John. He died this week at the age of 66, and the Nugent family is in a whirlwind of heartbreak. I’m not sure I can even get through this tribute to him. If ever there was a glowing, positive force of nature, it was Johnny. The guy could light up a room and magnify a joyful spirit like no one I have ever known.