One rifle, one deer, and generations of memory reveal what really matters in deer season.

Writer and lifelong hunter Richard Mann reads and reflects on his modern classic, The Gun and the Ghost. What begins as a simple deer hunting story unfolds into something deeper; an exploration of memory, family, and the emotional weight we carry into the woods each fall.

Mann uses the guns of his past as touchstones, objects that connect him to family, memory, and the moments that made him a hunter. The story isn’t about performance or preference, but about the emotional weight certain tools carry long after the season ends.

Listeners will walk away with a renewed perspective on deer hunting, one rooted in connection rather than caliber. This episode touches on classic rifles, heirloom firearms, ethical hunting, and the quiet moments that define life in the outdoors. It’s a reminder that hunting isn’t just about filling a tag; it’s about honoring where we came from, who taught us, and why we keep returning to the mountains, timber, and old camps year after year.

Whether you’re passionate about whitetail hunting, fascinated by classic firearms, or simply drawn to powerful outdoor storytelling, this episode delivers the kind of reflection that lingers long after the fire burns down.

Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/

Get to know the author, Richard Mann: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/richard-mann 

Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ 

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