The Hunting Party
It was a most beautiful day in late September. A sunny day, a crisp evening. Our father had an invitation from the Gross Herzog (Grand Duke) of Hessen to join his hunting party as a guest. In most of Europe, like in Germany one does not have the privilege and freedom of going into any forest to forage or shoot an animal and take it without any oversight.
It is the privileged and ruling class with guests who have the permission to organize the hunting party, use horses and organize the hunt. It is a sport and no reward is given. The meat from the hunt goes to a facility to be inspected and is then given to restaurants or specialty shops, which sell the venison, wild boar, elk etc.
Since it was the last few days of my brother Wolfgang’s time at home, before he had to report to the air force, my father invited him to join the hunt.
A large preserve in the forest near Darmstadt containing deer, elk, wild boar, not far from the Grand Duke’s Hunting Lodge “Kranichstein” was the location the hunting party gathered and mounted their horses.
The hunt began.
An enjoyable day with good weather, wonderful scenery and good food.
The hunt was successful! A big elk and a deer. The beautiful antlers would be presented to the Grand Duke, a trophy and the meat would be picked up by Forest Rangers. A big celebration dinner with wine and exhilarating conversation at the lodge awaited the hunters in “Kranichstein.”
My brother Wolfgang enjoyed this hunt and being with his father all day. A wonderful memory for him when he has to leave his home, and I am certain he will miss his family, but most of all, his father.
It was for Wolfgang a once in a life time experience to cherish and definitely an unforgettable day for him and his beloved father.
