A BUTTON BUCK TROPHY
Lane Bartley is one of the kindest , most gentle souls you ’ ll ever meet . He ’ s the type who helps others , takes joy in the little things , and always has a smile . When he asked to go hunting , I was happy to oblige . I ’ ve helped most of my cousins get into hunting in some capacity or another , and on Nov . 22 , 2020 , he was next in line .
The hunt was on the family farm , right where I spent many of my earliest days in the deer woods . Memories rushed to the front of my mind as we slowly eased along in the grayness of the dawn . We covered another 100 yards or so , trying not to make noise in the crunchiness of the frost-covered forest duff . Finally , we sat down against a massive oak tree that towered over two ridge spines before tapering into a ravine .
Shortly after sunrise , deer started moving . Several does and fawns came into range but didn ’ t offer a shot . They soon disappeared into the distance .
Then , we glassed a young doe and button buck bedded alone on the hillside . Neither offered a shot as they lay , so we drew up a route to stalk closer . After settling on the plan , we grabbed our gear and started the slow journey .
Eventually , we reached the little knoll we planned to shoot from . Just as we did , the buck stood up , offering a broadside shot . Lane eased into a sitting position , found the deer in the crosshairs , focused on the vitals and slowly squeezed the trigger . The button buck dropped in its tracks .
I immediately recognized the joy that spread across Lane ’ s face . Happy to have bagged his first deer . Happy to have helped provide venison for his family . As we approached the downed buck , the gravity of hunting , which is taking a life so that another may live , set in , though . Joy remained , but it mixed with the seriousness that comes with understanding . A first deer sparked incredible interest in the outdoors . climb is much steeper . Be there to help new hunters along . Assist in figuring out a new piece of land , patterning a target deer , following difficult blood trails , processing a harvest and more . Teach them to be self-sufficient hunters .
Obviously , mentors shouldn ’ t do everything for new hunters . With growth , mentees should gradually ween off the assistance and support . But hunting is also about camaraderie , and if they don ’ t have someone to share that with , or aren ’ t ready to teach someone else , mentors are the folks they ’ re looking to . So , keep spending time afield with them . Ultimately , mentors show that they care . And when people realize that , their eyes open to see you , and their ears turn to hear what you have to say .
Unfortunately , there are common challenges new hunters face . Access is a big one , especially where public land is limited .
Likewise , there are mistakes mentors can make . For example , never criticize rudimentary questions . Instead , answer them , and help your mentee build confidence with knowledge .
Once you ’ ve created and maintained a new hunter , show that person how to teach others , too . You don ’ t have to be an expert to share the outdoors with others . If you ’ re a safe hunter , understand hunting laws , practice proper ethics and encourage others to do the same , you ’ re ready to mentor .
Remember , creating one hunter can lead to many more . Your efforts matter . You have an impact . Never stop making time to help others . Find at least one hunter to replace you when you ’ re gone . Be the first to take that person so he or she can experience a first hunt , a first adventure and a first successful hunt . Be the first to help create a first , or you might be the last .
34 SPORTSMENSALLIANCE . ORG