Hunting tradition spans three generations

Hunting tradition spans three generations

    For the Gross family, a love of the outdoors gives them plenty of opportunities to spend time together, be it fishing a favorite waterway or hunting various game throughout the state.

    Earlier this year, three generations went in search of wild turkey during a couple of different hunts in southern parts of the state.
    “My Dad, Bob Gross, and my son, R.J., and I decided to go turkey hunting this spring. Dad’s from East Machias, so we went south to hunt. We got birds that were 16 and 14 pounds respectively during a trip to Garland,” said Robby Gross, of Mapleton, who serves as a district ranger for the Maine Forest Service, based in Masardis.
    Gross said it’s always been a joy to hunt with his dad.
    “I started when I was 10. He taught me about the outdoors and some of the joys that you encounter along the way,” said Gross. “It’s become a life-long habit; we always make time to hunt and fish together throughout the year.”
    Now Gross is passing the tradition along to his own son.
    “My son, R.J., has now acquired the joy of hunting and fishing. There isn’t a moment that goes by when he isn’t thinking about hooking a trout or shooting a partridge,” said Gross.
    He said his son is now learning how to hunt turkey, noting the expeditions are creating great family stories to share.
    “He hasn’t been successful at bagging a turkey, but the time we share together will create memories that will last forever,” said Gross.

Photos courtesy of Robby Gross

FAMILY TRADITION — The love of the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, is a family tradition for the Gross family. Father and son team up regularly, in pursuit of wild game. Pictured from left are Robby Gross and his son, R.J., of Mapleton, during a spring trip to southern Maine to hunt turkey.

FATHER AND SON hunters, Robby Gross of Mapleton and Bob Gross of East Machias, bagged two handsome turkeys during an expedition to Garland earlier this year.