It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to hunting. I am always pleased to have it happen, especially when it comes from a young future hunter.
I had the good fortune to meet a dedicated and intelligent young future hunter this past week. I was so amazed by his love of the sport, that I had to feature him in this week’s column. It gave me a chance to pick the brain of a young hunter and see what the future has to hold for we older hunters. I found myself reflecting on my past, by seeing him take the same road that I have chosen. As myself he has taken to bow shooting at a young age. Watching him go through the same safety and accuracy training as myself, gave me an idea as to his future. To be patient and listen can be hard for a boy his age, but he seems to have no problem with it. He chooses to be outside and understands what it takes to be a successful hunter. All the information is in place, he just needs a few more years to be able to test them.
Nearly 25 years ago, I made a lifelong friend, Dana Crosby. We enjoy hunting, fishing, shooting and camping together to this day. He had a younger sister, named Lana, that like most younger siblings hung out with her brother and us older kids. Who would have known, that many years later she would give birth to the boy featured in this week’s column? Kyle Benjamin is her son's name, he is seven years old, and is already quite the sportsman. He likes to watch hunting shows, and can't wait to join us afield.
He loves to fish with his father, Kenny, and talked about how they go out and enjoy the sport. Lucky for him, his mother and father embrace his passion and kindle the flames whenever possible. It doesn't hurt that his Uncle Dana buys him all kinds of cool outdoors gear. I asked what was his favorite gift received from him was? He said, “my .22 rifle.” This came as a surprise to Dana considering that he has yet to shoot the gun. Dana said, “What about your dirt bike and riding gear?” Kyle said it is a close second. He also mentioned all the hunting clothes he has received. When asked what his favorite color, he replied: “camouflage!”
I got such a kick from his response.
I wanted to know what he knew about hunting and what species he wanted to chase the most. I started by asking why we hunt. He answered “for food.”
Although he understands hunting has fun aspects to it, he also understands food is the true reason we hunt. Pretty grown-up an answer for a fun -loving boy. He said, “Deer are delicious and Uncle Dana's jerky is my favorite.”
I also asked him what would be his dream hunt? He said, “He would like to shoot a bear with a bow and make a coat out of it.” I said he was pretty brave and a bear coat would be cool.
We also talked a bit about game management and how it's not good to shoot young deer. He stated “you need to let them grow up.”
How right he is! Kyle's father, Kenny, is not a hunter now, but Kyle is hoping his dad will become a hunter and join him in the woods.
While watching Kyle shoot his bow, I was having flashbacks of my childhood. I always wanted to hunt, and shot my first squirrel with a bow much like his. I showed him how to set up and shoot with a bank as a backstop, as to not lose his arrows. We took a clump of field grass about the size of a small animal and set it out about 15 yards away for a target. He shot many arrows, but had trouble connecting with it. He then asked if we could shoot some hand thrown discs. Instinct being our best guide, I had him hitting flying targets within a few shots. I was super impressed by his ability to track, lead, and release a perfect shot on the target. He hit it a bunch of times, and surprised me in the process. He is set to be an incredible future marksman.
Kyle listened intently to everything said, and repeated it verbally and physically. He was so patient that I mentioned how good he was. He said, “You have to be patient to hunt, too.”
How true a statement.
I added that the patience received through hunting and fishing can be used in all facets of life. I ended by saying, “now that you are in the paper, your teachers will know how patient you can be. They will expect the same from you in class. Are you up for the challenge”?
He smiled and said yes.
Children like Kyle are our future. Take the time to pass on what you know. You may be surprised how well they can listen.
Good wishes and keep on shooting Kyle.