BLAZE Magazine Special Edition 2006-2016 | Page 31

I
and many different methods are used to see who can
produce the biggest bodied and antlered deer to mount
and the
literally
The rough an
terrain
As he approached
on
wall. breathtaking.
When introducing
inexperienced
hunter to and slowed his pace,
of
old
logging
roads
is
another
reminder
of
Whitney
took
her
hunting, don’t put them under the pressure of shooting “the
big shot with a clean miss.
the wisdom of the ole “ghost walker.”
As
the
bird
took
to the air my angel spun
one” at first. A better beginning to their hunting career would
around
with
the
precision
of a professional
be creating an enjoyable experience with help from a more
When we arrived to the edge of a clearing, shooter. Just as my Dad had done the year
experienced
hunter as a mentor. Small game hunting is the
one of his favorite strutting zones, I quickly, before, Whitney brought down the airborne
perfect
avenue
for this.
yet silently, cleared
two small areas to
As I continue my hunt, to accomplish my
final goal of a majestic gobbler in all 49
states, I have been blessed to meet many
amazing folks across our United States of
America. Along the way, I have seen sites
that have taken my breath away. My travels
and trails across this country have been on a
very limited budget!! Never say Never!
giant into a pile of crumpled, flopping
prepare a place for Whitney and Rebecca
feathers. Whitney
“sprang in a sprint” toward
The
outdoors
is becoming
lost to technology.
For many,
to sit great
down.
I moved
behind Whitney
a
her
prize.
As
she
outdoor
reserved for TV ran toward her harvest, A great friend, hunter and taxidermist, has
few steps. experiences
Through the have
years, become
I prefer something
to be
she
shouted,
hunted
and walked
the trails with
He
behind or my outdoor-themed
shooter, but close
enough
to It is up
have let
to him
stress suffer!”
over wind
direction
or remaining
still, me.
which
series
video
games.
to the “Daddy;
more don’t
Always
a
Southern
Belle
even
in
the sport
of told me Small
there game
are two
kinds of
people-those
whisper instructions.
the outdoor
games begin
for a youngster.
hunting
also
provides
experienced
hunters Let and
enthusiasts to introduce can be hard
hunting.
I taught
he, the turkey,
was social
who talk
about things
they want
to do;
and
old master.
a platform
for more
interaction
between
hunters
since
new
generations to the hunting tradition − or
risk losing
it. her that
those
who
do
those
things.
not suffering. She had done
well
in
her
clean
you do not have to be as quiet while hunting. This presents
After a few more “Here I am Gobbler,” I shot. Muscle reflex action.
Being outdoors is a great escape from the fast pace and stress the opportunity to discuss hunting ethics, hunter safety and
Outdoor Women Unlimited is a 501c3
beckoned him to come join us with some of
as well as other non-hunting related
of life. The openness and quiet of being in the woods or on your outdoor surroundings,
my best yelps. This certainly was not to be a Just as I, in my early years with my Dad, outdoor education organization whose
topics.
Small
game
hunting
also typically provides more action
the
gives
you time to hit
relax
think. These adventures
long water
wait as
he immediately
the and
ground
Whitney was set on fire! Whitney has shared mission encourages and supports women
there are sports
usually
game a and
can
great our
opportunities
to spend
with your children and than deer hunting because
in all shooting
and more
to become
part
and be
headed
way. He appeared
about
with me time and time again; “Dad, I will
do tradition.
choose to
introduces
them His
to the
joys peaked
of the great
of If
the you
hunting
Just go
as white-tailed
my daughter
100 yards away.
interest
at the outdoors. Youth hunt- opportunities to shoot.
always love turkey hunting. It is the most
enjoy takes
the experience
and hunter
me, it only
one person without
to share
ing,
shared
with he
family
sight especially
of our decoy when
spread.
At 80 yards
was and friends, can be deer hunting, let the new
challenging adventure that anyone could the hunt!
a full trot
and closing
fast!
a in positive
experience
for the
all. distance
These positive
experiences can pressure to harvest a deer. A bad experience their first time out
My main
concern
was and
to slow
him down
for every experience.”
could discourage them from wanting to hunt in the future. Most
create
better
bonds
life-long
memories.
a clean shot. This old bird had been close
young hunters are normally just happy to tag along and have a
eyes, turkey hunting exemplifies the
to a free
ride in my young
pickup on
a couple
of In my
When
introducing
people
to hunting,
the experience chance to shoot at anything, whether it is a buck or a doe.
occasions. Yet, he always seemed to see “fair game” hunt between man and wild
needs to be fun and enjoyable. Small game hunting provides
animal.
“things were just not right!”
many opportunities for new hunters that white-tailed deer
hunting often does not. When small game hunting, you do not
What is most important is the social interaction between the
hunter and the youth, which builds stronger bonds and a sup-
“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”
~ Shakespeare ~
Continued on page 55
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