Parker McCollum, a prominent country music star, has fond childhood memories of accompanying his father on hunting trips. These experiences now guide him as he prepares to create similar memories with his own sons.
The artist, who recently became a father for the second time, has already begun this journey. He spent several days at their family ranch with his eldest son, Major. At just two years old, Major may not help much yet, often just pulling grass while alongside his dad. However, McCollum cherishes these moments, drawing from his own experiences as a young boy.
I remember those days so vividly. My dad would get me out of school early on a Friday to head to the lease or ranch. We’d let it rip all weekend, often just the two of us.
A Lifelong Passion for Hunting
Hunting has been a significant part of McCollum’s life since childhood. In 2022, he recounted a hunting trip with his father around age eight, fondly recalling his single-shot .410 shotgun.
His enthusiasm for the outdoors began early. As a youngster, he would cry when left behind on hunting trips due to his age, but his passion grew once he was old enough to join. This outdoor lifestyle extended beyond hunting, including summers working cattle and tending to his grandfather’s ranch alongside family members.
McCollum hopes his sons, Major and Rocker, will develop a similar appreciation for nature. For him, this lifestyle is about more than just hunting.
The Importance of Slowing Down
With a bustling career and the demands of fatherhood, McCollum values time spent in nature. He emphasizes the calming effect of being outdoors.
There is nothing I love more than sitting in a tree in East Texas or South Texas or the Midwest. Even if you don’t see a dadgum deer, it’s so good for your soul.
McCollum describes family trips to the ranch as a way to slow down and unwind, without strict schedules or agendas.
Our whole intention was just slowing it down and turning it off. Spending time as a family with no agenda. We wake up late, cook breakfast, hunt in the evenings, and enjoy simple dinners and rides around.
He hopes to pass on the lesson of finding balance in life to his sons, emphasizing the importance of setting aside time for these simple pleasures.