Montana Woods N Water June 2016 Print Edition | Page 12

THE NEXT GENERATION CONTINUED
It may be necessary to redefine a successful day afield. Remember, our goal is the promotion of passion in that child for the outdoors.
Filled tags or maxed out game limits will, most likely, not be the order of the day. Instead, focus on helping that child gain knowledge by
observing critters in their natural habitat or having the successful opportunity to practice different skill sets that will aid them in the future.
There is value in watching deer and understanding how, where, and why they enter a food plot. Having the chance to giggle together in
curiosity and awe regarding the ability a fat turkey has to sit on a skinny branch and not break it creates stories to tell friends and loved
ones. Lessons can also be learned by shifting the focus of calling predators, to learning how to use an open reed call and redirecting that
fidgeting movement into noise that may produce a curious coyote. Most importantly, have fun, be safe, and treasure the opportunity you
have had to make long lasting and joyful memories with that child in your life.
Put It All Together
The afore mentioned ideas are not meant to be a road map to success, but rather
building blocks one can apply when planning an outing with a child. As a parent or
mentor, you will have greater knowledge of the tolerances and abilities of the child
you will be taking afield. Remembering these guiding principles, modifying them
for your particular situation, and employing them with some imagination in your
plan for the day will increase the odds of success and opportunities to share your
passion for the outdoors with a younger generation.
It is unlikely that I will leave my children a large monetary inheritance when I pass.
However, I can share with them the soft step of a white tail doe cautiously stepping
into an alfalfa field at dusk, or the quiet slurp and resultant splash of a rising
rainbow trout while the morning dew is still on. When the sun is setting in the
mountains and the aspen are ablaze with golden leaves and the larch needles have
the mountainside lit up like a birthday cake, it is awe-inspiring. To watch a spring
turkey strut into view, plumage puffed up and fanned out, his head tucked into his
chest and beet red, and to hear my child gasp with a quiet breath, gives me
occasion to smile. By sharing my passion with them, and an awe and amazement of
the world God has created for us; I pass on a priceless legacy to my children. I can
think of no greater treasurer to bestow on future generations.
Throwing rocks into the river is a welcome break from riding in the truck.

Article and all photos provided by Nathan Albertson
Terry Josephson
of Plains, MT
with a huge Puff
Ball. These
mushrooms are
edible according
to Terry. I found
a couple of
smaller ones and
tried to sauté
them and was
not impressed
with the taste.
But of course I
am more partial
to a good ole
Left
to Right:
Derek,
Capt.
JereMorel.
If you cut
one in
half and
it has started
my
and brown
Dad standing
bow
of peels the
turning
give it a on
toss.
Terry
outerwith
layeraoff
and makes
boat
thumbs
up! sure it is solid and
sautés it in butter and onions. I think my
memory as a child running through the cow
pasture stomping on them barefooted might
have effected my opinion. Terry can have my
share! Anyone else tried one of these?
10