No lying allowed in hunting stories

Having just won a local contest for the best hunter’s sad story, my plans for a big night of fun and luxury at the Outlaw Inn here went haywire when my husband just wouldn’t go. I’d been having too much fun with the subject by saying all we had to do was pack an overnight bag and walk over to the Inn just a few blocks from our home. Besides, my husband wasn’t the eager beaver he’d been 40 years ago…but I did try.

I went to the Inn to check out the facilities and see what I was missing when I considered asking my bridge foursome to spend the night there instead. No use wasting good champagne. I wrote a letter to Moose’s Saloon and George at the Kalispell Weekly News, who had sponsored the contest, to thank them and explain why we weren’t coming.

Months afterwards I stopped at the Weekly News for something or other when George Ostrom (then editor) reached into a drawer and gave me an envelope with a $50 gift certificate redeemable at the Sportman’s, where they’re having a half price jeans sale. My entire family got “jeaned” up. This was to take the place of the “honeymoon” night?!

My husband, bless his soul, went to the happy hunting grounds six years ago and I am here at Immanuel Lutheran Home with my memories. I’m especially fond of the time my hunting story won the liar’s contest and launched me on a new career — a 20-year stint with the Kalispell Weekly News, under several editors.

I want to thank Moose’s Saloon, George Ostrom and the Sportsman for that long ago contest that still keeps me busy today, encouraging my freelance writing.

Now that another hunting season is upon us I’d like to wish everyone the best of luck…and no lying! It pays to tell the truth.

Ann Miller’s “Thumbprints” poems appear in the Hungry Horse News.