AI was utilized in the writing of this article.
Jimmy Dean
February 2, 2024
Kusey’s passion for hunting is not just about the thrill of the chase, but also about passing on his knowledge and love for the sport to the next generation. He has been a mentor to many young hunters, teaching them not only the skills needed to hunt, but also instilling in them a deep respect for nature and wildlife.
“I’ve always tried to teach them that hunting is not just about killing,” Kusey said. “It’s about understanding the animals, their habits and their habitats. It’s about being a part of nature, not just an observer.”
Kusey’s hunting adventures have taken him all over Michigan, from the dense forests of the Upper Peninsula to the rolling hills of the Lower Peninsula. He has hunted in all types of weather conditions, from blistering heat to freezing cold, and in all types of terrain.
“I’ve hunted in swamps, in thick woods, on open fields,” he said. “Each place has its own challenges and its own rewards.”
One of Kusey’s most memorable hunts took place in 1976, when he bagged a massive 12-point buck in Montmorency County. The buck weighed in at an impressive 240 pounds and its antlers measured 28 inches across.
“That was a hunt I’ll never forget,” Kusey said. “I had been tracking that buck for days. When I finally got him, it was a feeling of accomplishment like no other.”
But for Kusey, hunting is not just about bagging big bucks. It’s also about spending time in nature and enjoying the peace and tranquility that comes with it.
“There’s something special about being out in the woods before dawn, listening to the world wake up,” he said. “It’s a feeling of peace that you can’t get anywhere else.”
Kusey’s love for hunting is matched only by his love for Michigan. He has lived in the state all his life and says he wouldn’t want to hunt anywhere else.
“Michigan is a hunter’s paradise,” he said. “We have a diverse range of wildlife and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. I feel lucky to have been able to hunt here for so many years.”
As Kusey looks back on his eight decades of hunting, he says he has no regrets. He has enjoyed every minute of it and is grateful for the experiences it has given him.
“Hunting has been a big part of my life,” he said. “It’s given me so much joy and so many wonderful memories. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
And even at 94, Kusey says he’s not ready to hang up his hunting gear just yet.
“As long as I’m able, I’ll keep hunting,” he said. “My heart still beats when I see a buck.”
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