Christmas 2025

“The Big Dog provides, (in an almost poetic sense), such largesse. Christmas isn’t about the gifts we give each other, it’s about the gifts he has given us. It’s about establishing and indulging in an emulation of his everlasting serenity, here on Earth, for a narrow window of time.”

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“Slow down.” I remind myself daily. It’s hard to heed those words when you’re in the midst of another come-back story and boy, has this year set me backward. The come-back has been loaded with peril but, it isn’t without retribution and, with it has come a few steps forward. For me and mine, this year has been about so much more than growth and amplitude. We’re rounding the corner to the final days of 2025 and on this holy day, I remind myself that there is far more to life than expansion. The hunter in me refutes this but, I know it’s true when I watch my little man creep in on a buck in the yard at 07:00 in the morning, to snap a crystal clear close-up with the D500 I gifted him for Christmas. 

In four years he’ll be putting the stalk down on bucks like this one, with a Mathews in one hand and a fistful of the earth he’s crawling on in the other. At eight years old, his hunter instinct is just starting to reveal itself and, for now, a camera will have to satisfy it but, what a perfect analogy…

The work he’s putting forth, the struggle he’ll overcome, and the lessons he’ll learn; not to take from this world, but to capture a moment of it and celebrate it in sharing. 

Today, I’m slowing down and I hope you are too. By no means, in a permanent regard but, for the next 48 hours – while I take time to acknowledge & appreciate all that the Big Dog has blessed me with; this year more than any other. Walk with me brother, and let’s reflect on all we have. God has given me a beautiful family – one that has held my hand while I weathered through one of the most difficult storms of my life. God has given me good friends; in an unimaginable abundance, who I have called on and who have always answered. God has given me an undeniable and unwavering resolve to commit myself to this line of work and, in consequence, he’s also given me a moderate amount of success…

Not enough to inflate my ego or afford me a moment to relax, but enough to keep me driven and hungry; and the ability to grow. 

This year God gave me many reasons to quit,
And the stubbornness to push forward.

This year God gave me pain, 
And the fortitude to withstand it. 

This year God gave me loss, 
And the veracity to regain it.

This year God gave me an expiration date, 
And the belief that I would surpass it. 

What blessings did you receive this year, brother? No need to list them here. Reflect on them and keep them in your heart. Allow your appreciation for them, and your love for all the good things around you, to fill your world with peace for the next two days. Revel in their beauty, and gain a stronger connection to those around you as a subsequent offering. The Big Dog provides, (in an almost poetic sense), such largesse. Christmas isn’t about the gifts we give each other, it’s about the gifts he has given us. It’s about establishing and indulging in an emulation of his everlasting serenity, here on Earth, for a narrow window of time. 

I’m wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas. 
I hope you’ll slow down for it. 
I know I will because…

2026 will be my very last come-back story. 
Time to LOCK-IN. 

Author’s Note:

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this story and all the content associated with it. As an avid sportsman, I hope that this tale inspires you to get outside to enjoy the wild with the ones you love most. I write these stories as a supplement to my lifestyle as a sportsman and guide, and with them comes a certain accountability. The details of my stories are purely based on my recollection alone and in no particular way do they reflect a chronologically factual, indisputable timeline of events. They are in no way intended for official use or as a reference for official purposes. These are simply tall tales meant to entertain the tired mind; best served with a clear evening, a warm fire and, a strong whiskey.

All the photos and content featured in my tall tales are my own, unless expressly cited otherwise, and the unauthorized use or reproduction of them is strictly prohibited. That’s all for now, my friends. If you enjoyed this content and would like to see more like it, I can be found on Instagram by searching “Authentically Wild Out West” and on YouTube by searching the same phrase. Until the next campfire, stay safe out there and look after each other.

The Trophy Trout Hunt is ON in 2026! I’ll be shoveling water alongside the best guides in the west again this season so be sure to get your dates booked ASAP! I’ll be posting updates about my season, as well as information about all my winter month destination angling trips to South America here so subscribe below and don’t miss a thing.

On another quick note: I’ve launched a new publication on Substack, specifically to showcase my serialized fiction and poetry! 

I hope you’ll join me there! Follow THIS LINK to have a look. 

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If you’ve been reading my tall tales and outdoor articles for a while, you have probably recognized that much of my writings revolve around anecdotes. I live these stories, here in one of the last truly wild places on Earth and now as a full-time guide, I’d like to extend an invitation to you: 

Come experience this prestigious place with me. 

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