Passing of a Great Man

[Indian Summer]

Well.... I received a very sad message this morning. Craig Smith the owner of Triple 3 Outfitters in Wyoming passed away yesterday while walking his beloved dog. I never had the pleasure of meeting Craig in person but we were destined to cross paths. We were cut from the same cloth for sure. We are both guys who thrive on adventure and after growing up and owning businesses in Pennsylvania we both headed west and became hunting outfitters.

I booked a few hunters for him awhile back and the rest just fell into place. We would spend hours on the phone laughing and bullshitting. Outfitters have one thing in common and that's lots of campfire stories. For several years he had asked me to come out and work for him. He knew I had riding and packing experience and wanted me to run his high country camp in the Bighorns. It was pretty tempting and some day I might have taken him up on the offer.

In the meantime he told me to come on out and hunt. He had a nice ranch that he only hunts deer on and let me have it to myself to hunt as I pleased. Pretty generous considering he never actually met me. We just hit it off. I was supposed to go out in August to get together finally and check out some country. Then I would go back in the fall to hunt. His wife Donna is holding the fort and it will be business as usual. I'll still go out to hunt and might even make the trip in August as planned. But there's no question it just won't be the same now that Craig has passed.

I hope you're reading this from the best hunting stand you ever sat in buddy. Our meeting is only delayed and I'll see you at the happy hunting grounds one day my friend. Rest in peace.

[Elkduds]

Thanks for sharing your memories, Joe. Condolences for your loss. One more trail pard joining you on future hunts, every time you remember them. Your post reminds me of those who have preceeded me. I miss them most when hunting.

[WapitiTalk1]

Sorry to hear that Joe. Sounds like he was a good man. RIP Craig; no draw points in heaven and I hear and hunting season is open every day

[Lefty]

A great tribute!

[Deanmac]

Well said