Mentoring Takes Many Forms

When I first heard the saying "It takes a hunter to make a hunter," I was intimidated by it. I was working on a hunter recruitment and retention plan for our agency, and the prospect of getting hunters to mentor and help recruit new hunters seemed daunting. However, in the last 10 years I've learned that the statement is true. Prospective hunters need experienced hunters to help them into the hunting fraternity. I've also learned that nearly every hunter I know is mentoring or has mentored someone. It's what we do and it comes naturally -- especially as we get a little older. I've also learned that my initial concept of what mentoring was and what constituted a mentor was inaccurate.

Mentoring can be as simple as lending someone a book, offering some advice on decoy spreads, or helping them select a shotgun. It could be working with a youngster at the trap range or helping a new bowhunter tune his or her bow. It might be taking someone hunting and it might be a long-term relationship, but that isn't necessary to qualify as mentoring.

And a mentor doesn't have to be an older hunter, although that is often the case. I've had many mentors in my life, some older and some younger. Each had experience in a particular aspect of hunting, and they passed that along to me. In many cases, we ended up learning together. But I know I wouldn't have been as successful or learned as much without the mentors I've been fortunate enough to have known.

I think mentoring happens often without the mentor even realizing it. Mentoring is an important aspect of being a hunter, and it's a treasured part of the hunting heritage.

Best Christmas Gifts

I know now that our family went through some lean times financially when I was young, but Mom and Dad kept me from realizing it then. They somehow always managed to make sure my sister and I had the things we needed. At Christmas, we weren't lavished with lots of expensive gifts, but I always felt special. Mom and Dad would prod us for one gift we really wanted, and we usually got it. I didn't have expensive tastes then, but I usually wanted something that had to do with hunting and fishing. I still have a Weaver variable power rifle scope I got my twelfth Christmas. It's still attached to the .22 rifle that belonged to my Granddad, who gave it to my father, who gave it to me. And I still remember the Christmas I opened a large, rectangular box to find a beautiful Remington BDL .243 bolt action rifle. I hadn't asked for it, thinking it too expensive, but Mom and Dad somehow managed to buy it for me. I killed my first mule deer with that rifle the following fall, and even though I don't rifle hunt much anymore, it's one of my most prized possessions. I recently loaned it to a friend so he could take his grandson deer hunting. He wondered if I was interested in selling it. I just laughed and said I could never part with that gun. It's far too special because it carries the memories of that Christmas and all the hunts that came after.

The Life Journey of Hunting

When someone passes on the hunting heritage to another person, what they're really doing is helping that person embark on a life-long journey. The hunting journey's destination is never arrived at because it is always changing. You may have heard of the five stages of the hunter. The first stage is the "Shooter," and it's especially true with young hunters. During the shooter stage, a successful hunt is marked by lots of shooting and opportunities. The second stage is the "Limit" or "Bagger" stage. In this stage, a successful hunt is when the hunter takes a limit of game. The third stage is the "Trophy" stage. During the trophy stage, the hunter measures success by taking trophy-class animals, such as a deer that qualifies for Pope and Young. Success during the trophy stage requires more time, better skills and the possibility of coming home empty handed. The fourth stage is the "Method" stage. During this stage, the way a hunter hunts is the most important and satisfying aspect. Hunting ducks over decoys or bowhunting deer are good examples of method hunting. The final stage is the "Sportsmen" stage. During this phase, the hunter focuses on the overall experience and is likely to mentor other hunters, finding as much enjoyment in their success as in his or her own.

The fact that a hunter's goals and aspirations are always changing is one of the true joys of the hunting journey. And it's possible for a hunter to be in several different stages at the same time. A hunter who has hunted waterfowl for years may be firmly in the method stage, hunting over decoys and measuring success by the effectiveness of the decoy spread and calling. However, if that hunter recently took up turkey hunting, he or she is likely still in the early stages of evolution, wanting lots of opportunities and experiences to learn from. The final stage is truly the pinnacle because a hunter has learned to enjoy every aspect and minute of every hunt, including the preparation. Results are unimportant, and success is always attained.

Grounded In The Outdoors

Last week I attended a birthday celebration for one of my best friends. Rex and I spent a good deal of our youth hunting and fishing together -- the rest we wasted, as the old joke goes. While trying to think of a good birthday card to give him, I found an old picture from our first deer season. Rex killed a muley buck on the first day and I killed one on the second. On Saturday, my granddad accompanied me and Rex's dad came along with him. Granddad gave us instructions on how to field dress Rex's buck that first day. On Sunday, it was just Rex and me, and I remember crawling up to the fence row and peering out over a feed field with six or seven deer on it. The deer, 150 yards away, were aware of us and began trotting toward the trees. Rex excitedly told me to shoot the biggest buck and made sure I knew which one it was. My first shot was high, but the second connected, and the buck crashed into a grass waterway. Rex was watching it with binoculars, giving me a play by play. He handed the glasses to me so I could watch, and I tried. But by then I was shaking so badly, I couldn't hold them steady. I handed them back and said, "You watch." We field dressed that deer trying to remember Granddad's instructions from the morning before. Those hunts were 35 years ago, and I've just recalled the details as vividly as if they happened yesterday. It never ceases to amaze me how learning to hunt and fish when I was young has impacted my life and stayed with me. Those experiences and memories keep me grounded today and remind me how important our outdoor resources and hunting heritage are.

Try A Pop-Up Blind

We are fortunate to have some fantastic deer hunting opportunities in Kansas, and the adrenalin rush of watching a deer walk into range can often hook a young hunter. However, hunting from a treestands with young hunters may not be practical or safe. Hunting from a ground blind is often effective during the firearm season, but it may require that youngsters hold still for long periods of time, depending on the blind and its placement. But there is a way. At special youth hunts, KDWPT staff discovered that pop-up blinds can be the perfect piece of equipment for youth/mentored hunts. Many commercial pop-up blinds are large enough to told two or even three hunters, they are light, easy to set up and can be moved if the wind direction changes or deer patterns shift. It's best to have a blind in place for several days before use, and large blinds may require some brushing-in to make them less conspicuous to deer. But there is no doubt that they are perfect for young hunters because they hide movement and even mask noise a youngster may make whispering questions or eating snacks. They can also keep youngsters warm on cold, windy days. Try a pop-up blind this season. And as the photo shows, a pop-up blind can be perfect for taking youngsters who aren't quite ready to hunt themselves, but will have a great time tagging along.

It Only Takes One

I know that some hunters are discouraged by bird numbers in some regions of Kansas this year. After last year's banner season, this year's bird populations may give hunters an excuse to stay out of the field. However, I just want to point out one thing if you have a youngster who's champing at the bit to hunt. It won't take lots of birds for the young hunter to have a great hunt. In fact, it will only take on bird to create a memorable day. I wouldn't recommend an all-day forced march, but a short hunt where several small tracts are walked could be just ticket. Even if there aren't any opportunities, a drive to the country, walking a few fields and watching a good dog work is better than sitting in house this holiday weekend. Keep your expectations realistic and the hunts short. And remember, if one rooster flushes in range, you'll have a day to remember. And if the youngster connects, you'll both remember this day the rest of your lives. It only takes one.

Making The Best of It

In an entry this summer, I wrote about how things we work for mean more than things that come easy. I referenced a fishing trip to Colorado with my friend Rex when it was very cold and windy, but we fished hard and caught a few really nice trout. Conditions were tough, and it was a frustrating at times, but in the end, Rex said, "You know, I think this was one of our best trips." I had to agree. We'd made the best of the situation and managed to thoroughly enjoy ourselves despite lack of cooperation from the fish and the weather. Perhaps making the best of any situation is something you figure out as you get older. My cousin Brad and I did the same this past weekend. He came for pheasants, knowing that bird numbers were low in the area we would hunt, and wouldn't you know it, the weather was uncooperative again. However, on this trip the weather was too nice. We had daytime temperatures in the 70s and very little wind. I know we shouldn't complain about those conditions, but they weren't the best for duck and pheasant hunting. We made the best of it, though. We fished farm pond crappie one morning, hunted ducks on a beautiful pasture slough three mornings, and even managed to find a few pheasants and quail. No big numbers or limits taken, but enough to satisfy. We had our parents visit the little farm house we stayed in for a beautiful evening and supper, and we mainly kicked back and forgot what day it was. It was a great weekend. I know 20 years ago I would have been frustrated by a perceived lack of hunting success, but I've outgrown that attitude, and so has Brad. We ended the trip supremely satisfied and relaxed, and that should have been the goal along.

Opening Day Tradition

This Saturday is opening day. In Kansas, opening day means pheasant and quail seasons. We have a long tradition of bird season opening days, and hunters across the state are gearing up for Saturday morning. I've been looking forward to it since last opening day, but I've been thinking about it a lot recently. My cousin Brad is coming out from Kansas City, and I'm really looking forward to kicking around the fields of Kiowa County with him and the dogs. The bird hunting forecast for that area isn't very positive because the of the drought and summer heat, but we'll still have a great time. The experience is what you make it, and I know we'll work hard and earn our birds. We'll appreciate every opportunity, and the birds we get will mean something. I've heard hunters make excuses for not taking young hunters when bird numbers are down, saying that youngsters need lots of action or they won't like hunting. I think you can make any hunt meaningful, even without lots of birds. When populations are thin, take young hunters. Just make the outings shorter. Take time to learn about deer rubs and scrapes, and talk about the biology, habitat, and weather factors that control our bird numbers. Sit under and tree and eat a sandwich and talk about things other than hunting. I've said it before -- youngsters won't remember how many birds you bag, but they'll never forget that you took time to take them hunting. Don't miss an opportunity.

Youth Season Primer

The upcoming youth pheasant and quail season (Nov. 5 & 6) is the perfect opportunity to introduce a young hunter to bird hunting. Even though bird forecasts aren't stellar, there are still birds out there, and getting the first shot at WIHA and public areas is a huge advantage. Hunting pressure during the youth season is always light, so the odds of finding a positive experience are high -- for both youngsters and mentors. When I started hunting 40 years ago, we didn't have a youth season, but I was lucky enough to be included every opening day. I learned by watching and listening, and I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything. However, hunting in a big group of seasoned adult hunters probably won't provide a young newbie with the best opportunity. Every opening day group has a couple of quick-draw shooters -- those who'll try to kill birds before anyone else gets a chance; a young hunter can't compete with them. And a big opening-day hunting party with yelling, dogs running wild and general chaos may fluster a new hunter. Contrast that with an adult mentor or two, a couple of young hunters and a couple of dogs on the ground during the youth season, and you can see which will be a better initiation to bird hunting. The youth season is also a great opportunity to scout new areas and give the dogs a warm-up hunt. A youth season outing will give a young hunter an experience he or she will never forget. Never underestimate the power of passing it on.

The Promise Of A Puppy

A friend emailed me yesterday, giving me a brief answer to a question I had emailed him earlier in the week, but then he got to the real reason for the email. He announced that he'd just picked up a five-month-old wire-haired pointer. I could sense excitement in his message, and there was optimism in his words. It's funny how a new hunting dog can do that for a hunter. For true dog people, the promise of puppy is about future hunts but also about companionship, joy and optimism. My Lab, Creede, has a lot of gray in his muzzle -- kind of like me -- but he still loves to hunt with me, and he's a loyal and fine companion. But I'll never forget the sheer optimism I had when he was a puppy and he trotted back and placed the training dummy in my hand or when he retrieved his first pheasant. Hunting has been only a small part of our time together, but it provides a purpose for both of us. Something to look forward to; something to remember. A love of hunting dogs is all part of the hunting heritage.

Duck Music

I enjoy hunting ducks, but I'm not a duckhead who lives to hunt waterfowl. I mostly hunt ducks to get the Big Black Dog out or to spend time with good friends, several of whom, by the way, are duckheads. I recently hunted Cheyenne Bottoms with  a couple of those friends, one of whom is partly responsible for my love of duck hunting. He is another one of those mentors I've been fortunate enough to have known during my life, and he became a great friend in the process. I met Jim 25 years ago at an Outdoor Writers of Kansas conference. The meeting was in Great Bend and on one morning, members traveled to Cheyenne Bottoms to hunt. There was very little water that year, but good numbers of Canada geese were  feeding on wheat growing in the dry pools. I was young and inexperienced, and I brought hunting clothes that would have been appropriate on the day we arrived. However, I was drastically underdressed on the morning we hunted because a cold front had arrived in the night. Fortunately for me, Jim came prepared. In his van, he had extra jackets, hats and even gloves, which he offered and I gladly accepted. As we sat in the blind, I asked Jim 50 questions about goose hunting, but the calling aspect is what really fascinated me. When he tired of my questions, he handed me a call and coached me on how the make it work. When a flock of geese approached, I tried to hand the call back to Jim, but he winked and said I could do the calling. He told me when to make a few basic "honks," and the geese actually flew by in range. Of course in my hyper-excited state, I missed my shot, but Jim dropped one. Later, Jim coached me on the different ways to blow a duck call. I was hooked and have been trying to sound as good as Jim ever since. I enjoy calling, and the thrill I get when mallards turn and set their wings in response to my calls is part of what keeps me duck hunting. I owe that feeling to Jim. I also enjoy spending a morning in the blind with Jim and will count last Saturday has a highlight of the fall. My outdoor experiences have been enhanced because Jim was willing and generous enough to give me a little coaching that morning in the goose blind (and a pair of gloves). I am forever indebted to him. If you don't think passing it on has an impact, think again.

Hunting Traditions

When I first started hunting exactly 40 years ago, all I knew was that I couldn't wait for opening day. Then I couldn't wait for the next Saturday, then the next, and so on. As I've said, from the first second of my first hunt, I knew I'd found something I would do the rest of my life. What I didn't realize back then, was that I was developing relationships -- with my father; my grandfather; my best friend, Rex; my colleague and mentor Gene; and my cousin, Brad, who is like a bother to me. Those people I hunt with have become my closest friends. That's just how it works. You want to hunt with someone who has similar thoughts and interests, but most of all, you want to hunt with someone you can trust -- with your life. Over the years, you weed out those you can't trust and gravitate to those you do. They stick. But the other thing that happens, slowly, is that you develop traditions. A spontaneous hunt is organized, then it happens the second year, then a third, then you set the date and plan for next year's hunt at the end of this year's trip. Hunting is about traditions, and most of us develop strong feelings and loyalties to those traditions. The traditions alone enrich our lives, providing something to remember and to look forward to. It doesn't matter that our bird numbers are poor this year. Brad's coming, and we'll hunt. We'll grill steaks, walk the fields and laugh at old stories. We'll hunt hard, but most of all we'll enjoy each other's company and revel in the experience. I can't wait.

It Takes A Community

The Council Grove Outdoor Youth Event I blogged about last week is a perfect example of how a high-quality, successful Pass It On outdoor skills day should be conducted. The day is the brainchild of Council Grove area manager Brent Konen, who is professionally and personally invested in the effort. Brent knows such an event is important to the mission of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. We have to get youth involved in outdoor recreation for the sake of our outdoor heritage and our agency. Most KDWPT employees are involved with one or more of these events every year because they understand how important they are. And most employees have a personal commitment to these efforts because they understand how discovering a love for the outdoors impacted their own lives. Brent tells the young participants about a similar event he attended as a youngster in Nebraska. He's making sure youth in his area get the same opportunity. But Brent also knows he can't conduct such an event alone. Like every successful Pass It On event, help from the local community, conservation organizations and other KDWPT employees is necessary. Brent teaches Hunter Education locally, and several of his fellow volunteer Hunter Education Program instructors are there to help. Members of the Flint Hills Chapter of the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation donated hotdogs, hamburgers, along with the fixings, and members showed up with a grill and cooked lunch for everyone. KDWPT employees included game wardens Randy Benteman and Jesse Gehrt, who ran the archery station; Hunter Education coordinator Kent Barrett, who ran the pellet gun range; myself and retired Hunter Education Program coordinator, Wayne Doyle, who ran the wingshooting stations; and of course Brent. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened a secluded, safe area for the event and provided picnic tables. It takes a community to make these events successful, and the benefits go much deeper than merely recruiting new hunters. I'll bet most of these kids will remember this day for a long time, and some will be inspired to go hunting this fall. And I'll bet a few discovered something that will impact the rest of their lives. One or two may even grow up to be a wildlife bioligist or game warden. Wanna bet?

They're All Good Kids

Last Saturday I spent the afternoon loading 20 ga. shells into semi-automatic shotguns and helping kids break flying targets. Council Grove Wildlife Area manager Brent Konen conducted his ninth Annual Outdoor Youth Event. This year 50 participating kids, instructors and helpers were first treated to lunch by Flint Hills Chapter of Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation members, who grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. After lunch, students were divided into four groups, each going to a skills station, including archery, two shotgun/wingshooting stations, and a pellet gun range. They spent about 45 minutes at each station -- so I'm told. Once we get started in one of these events, I lose track of time. I get lost of the effort to ensure that every youngster learns something about shooting a shotgun safely and effectively. The kids were great, and every one of them broke a flying target. Some broke just about every target I could throw for them. One young lady was particularly enjoyable because she had such a great attitude. On her first turn, she followed instructions well and had good success. On her second turn at the station, I challenged her further, throwing some crossing targets and doubles. She broke them all and after each target broke, she giggled and smiled with delight. Students like her make an instructor look good, and I was definitely pleased with her success. After we were done shooting, Brent spoke to the group about what the event means to him and what he hoped it meant to them. A bunch of door prizes were given away before the group broke up to head home. I was loading target launchers into the trailer when the young lady walked out to thank me. She was all smiles as I told her she was more than welcome and that I hoped she got a chance to go hunting this fall. She was sure her dad had plans for that. We started the three-hour drive back to Pratt at 5 p.m. It was a long day, but that little girl's smiling thank you made it all worth while. I've said it before, but I'll say it again -- they're all good kids. Every one of these kids responded positively to the attention they received from instructors and all seem to have a great time. I know they all won't become hunters but I know some will, and I hope last Saturday was a perfect stepping stone for them to start that journey.

A Love Of Hunting Dogs

I wrote an entry last winter about how much hunting behind a couple of bird dogs when I was 12 years old impacted me. Since that day, I've always loved and been fascinated by hunting dogs. I had my first when I was a sophomore in high school. A Christmas present from Dad, he was a mongrel, really -- half Lab and half Brittany. He looked like a yellow Lab with a docked tail. Sam and I had some great hunting and fishing adventures. How I loved that dog. Over the last 30 years, I've never  been without bird dogs -- Brittanys and Labs. Not only do they enhance my hunting experiences, they enrich my life. Our dogs are not kenneled but live with us in the house. I enjoy their company, and I never get tired of the unconditional affection and loyalty dogs display. Hunting birds without a dog for me is like fishing in a swimming pool -- what's the point? I thoroughly enjoy hunting with a few select friends, but I also enjoy outings that are just me and the dog. I've had several great hunts with my old Lab this fall and hope to have more. He also accompanied my wife and I to Colorado, helping me trout fish however he could. Living with and training bird dogs is just one facet of the hunting heritage, but it's a part that impacts the hunting lifestyle and makes life more rewarding. I can't imagine my life without either.

Renewing The Passion

Some of my earliest memories are of fishing in Colorado with my parents and grandparents. I suppose that's why the Rocky Mountains and rushing rivers still hold such a strong attraction for me. Twenty-five years ago, my wife, Lisa, and I began making short vacations to the mountains. We'd spend two or three days in an area, exploring, sightseeing and fishing, and Lisa developed the same love of the mountains I have. Eventually we settled on an area around Creede because we found a wonderful ranch on the Rio Grande River that rents rustic cabins. We've returned to this area each year now for 20 years, and we've increased our stay to a full week. Three days just weren't enough. We spend every daylight hour outside, soaking in the cool mountain air hiking, fishing, and taking photographs. I realize that nearly everyone who spends time in the mountains appreciates the spectacular scenery. However, our connection is deeper. The mountains, the rivers, the brown trout, all renew a passion that developed in me when I was five years old. The time I spent with my family at a very young age makes this annual trek to the mountains a necessary event for me. While Lisa's tradition is younger, it's no less important. I always think of Granddad and Grandma when I'm in the mountains, and I'm still amazed at the impact the time I had with them has on my life.

Mentor Rich

I've written many entries about my good fortune to have hunted with my father and grandfather. Those experiences mean more to me than I can express. However, while I was writing my last entry about a friend who taught me about duck hunting, I realized that I've been fortunate enough to have had many mentors. When I started working for the Kansas Fish and Game Commission in 1983, I was just out of college and hungry for outdoor experiences. I was pretty confident in my outdoor knowledge, but when I started hanging out with co-workers who were a little older and more experienced, I discovered how little I knew. One co-worker in particular, turned out to be a great friend and trusted mentor, especially when it came to deer hunting. Gene Brehm was the full-time photographer for the department when I came to work, and Gene took me under his wing. At that time, I had killed one deer with a rifle and had taken up bowhunting. When I started following Gene around in the woods, I was embarrassed at how little I knew about deer behavior and hunting strategies. Our deer populations were fairly low in this part of the state back then, and a bowhunter didn't get many chances. Without Gene's guidance and friendship, it would have taken years for me to find any success. I've been lucky to have many good friends who have helped me learn about hunting and fishing, and I think most other hunters can say the same thing. Lifelong friendships develop through outdoor mentoring. There is high level of trust and commitment that evolves during such a relationship, and it's another reason why our hunting heritage is so important.

Teal Hunting Mentor

I started hunting pheasants with my dad and granddad, and pheasants were about all we hunted, although we occasionally jumped a pond for ducks. When my high school hunting buddy Rex and I got our driver's licenses and wheels, we expanded our hunting horizons. However, our duck hunting was still limited to jumping ponds. I didn't discover real duck hunting until I went to college at K-State, where I met Kurt Keller. Kurt and I were in the same fraternity, and we discovered we a had lot in common, especially a love for hunting and fishing. Kurt grew up just a couple of miles from Cheyenne Bottoms, and when he talked about hunting ducks over decoys, I was all ears. That first winter, Kurt scrounged up eight or 10 decoys from his dad's garage and we spent several mornings at the Oldsburg Marsh on the upper end of Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area. I bought a cheap duck call and huffed on it until I was blue in the face. We skipped a few classes, had a great time and even killed a duck or two. I learned how much I enjoyed "real" duck hunting.

The next fall, Kurt invited me home with him one September weekend to hunt teal at Cheyenne Bottoms. I had no idea what I was in for. We scouted the pools that Friday evening and got up early on Saturday to be at the headquarters office to select a blind. An hour before sunrise, we headed for our blind, set out a dozen decoys and waited. I remember the teal flying pretty well that morning, but I was completely dependent on Kurt to point them out and assure me they were teal and not big ducks. Kurt and I hunted and fished together throughout our college years and got together a time or two after we graduated, then lost touch. Today, I hunt teal every September if I get the chance, and I relish hunting on the Bottoms. Each time I'm there, I remember those days hunting with Kurt. He was a year younger than me, but he was my duck hunting mentor, and he's mostly responsible for my love of waterfowl hunting today.

Too often we think of a mentor as someone older, but anyone who takes the time to share learned skills and wisdom can be an outdoor mentor. Those hunts with Kurt were 30 years ago, and I still remember them clearly. Never underestimate the power of passing it on. Thanks, Kurt.

STEPPING BACK IN TIME TO A SPECIAL PLACE

Some of my favorite childhood memories include a 10-acre farm pond tucked away in the rolling prairies  of southcentral Kansas. Mom and Dad gave me a fishing lease for an eighth grade graduation present, and I couldn't have been more thrilled. I actually remember the first trip Dad and I took to the pond after graduation. Through high school, several of my friends and I spent some fantastic times at the pond, camping, fishing and hunting. The landowners were generous, giving us permission to hunt deer and waterfowl during the fall. Now flash forward 35 years. New landowners allowed an old friend and I to fish recently. I hadn't seen the pond in 20 years and wasn't sure how well it had aged. When we drove through the gate, I was relieved to see that it was still just as beautiful as I remembered. But I knew it couldn't possibly live up to my childhood memories of fishing. But you know what? It did. We caught several nice bass on a warm evening, including a couple that were big enough to get excited about. Memories of past fishing trips flooded my mind as we fished and reminisced. It was a great evening, and it reinforced my feelings about this special place and the people who are most important to me. When I write about the impact spending time fishing and hunting with youngsters can have on their lives, I mostly focus on the relationships between people. However, time in the outdoors also develops relationships with the land. It's a puzzle made up of people, experiences and the land, and each piece is crucial.

HUNTER EDUCATION IS A GREAT FIRST STEP

 I know it's still hot, but I can feel it in my bones that fall is on the way. I saw on the weather that we're supposed to have a night-time low in the 60s later this week. Yep, fall will be here before you know it. Another reason I know fall is coming is that our Hunter Education Program is in full swing right now. Demand for classes will continue to increase from now through the end of October.

In Kansas, anyone born on or after July 1, 1957 must complete an approved hunter education course before hunting. The minimum age to be certified through the Kansas program is 11. Kids 15 and younger can hunt without hunter education certification as long as they have adult supervision. That regulation was changed so that parents could take kids hunting before committing to the 10-hour class. If they enjoy hunting, then they can find a class and enroll.

But you shouldn't look at a hunter education class as a hurdle to clear so you can go hunting. In fact, the class is a great first step, or initiation, into hunting for kids and adults. And with the internet-assisted delivery course that is getting more popular, the class is fun, too. The internet-assisted course lets students complete a portion of their studies online at their own speed. Then they will attend a field day that provides lots of hands-on activities, including trail walks, shotgun live-fire, and firearm handling. Classroom work is minimal, and students learn and have fun outside. Many will break a flying target or load a bolt-action rifle for the first time. It's a great first step to hunting.

Hunter education classes are taught by volunteer instructors who have a passion for hunting and the outdoor heritage. This passion is transferred through their dedication to teaching youngsters about hunter ethics, wildlife management, safe gun handling and more. To find a class near you, log on to the KDWPT website.

COUNTDOWN TO HUNTING SEASON

The countdown has begun. Only 25 days until the dove season opener, and I can't wait. I've mentioned before that I think one of my first dove hunts with Dad when I was 13 probably still influences how much I look forward to dove season. But the fact that it's the first hunting season of the fall and that Kansas is a great place to hunt doves probably has something to do with my enthusiasm. Good memories from an annual tradition of hunting on opening day with good friends figures in, as well.

Though the dove population is usually very high in Kansas by Sept. 1, the best hunting is found in areas where doves concentrate. Over the next three weeks hunters will be scouting for pasture ponds, worked wheat stubble fields, sunflower fields and roost sites.

If you haven't found your dove spot yet, check out KDWPT's website. On the dove page, you'll find a listing of public areas have special managed dove fields, which often produce spectacular wingshooting. And look through the areas carefully because several have fields set aside for youth hunters or youth/mentor pairs. These areas can provide the perfect opportunity to get a young hunter thoroughly hooked on wingshooting. Give it a shot.

Scouting For Enthusiasm

Even though this summer's heat is keeping most of us indoors, there is an easy and fun way to build enthusiasm for the coming hunting seasons while staying comfortable in your truck's air conditioning. When I was a youngster, our family had a tradition of taking Sunday evening drives. We'd cruise the backroads of Kiowa County, and I'd keep a tab on the number of pheasants I spotted. It was great fun, and I was always competing to see the most birds, although I don't think my sister really cared. When bird numbers were high, those scouting trips made waiting for November tough for 13-year-old. When we were old enough, Dad would slide over and let me or my little sister drive a few miles. I'll never forget learning to drive a manual transmission on that old Ford with a "three-on-the-tree." With the current drought casting doubt on prospects for the coming bird seasons in some areas, scouting will be critical to success. There will be pockets of good cover, center-pivot corners, and waterholes that will concentrate game birds. If you find a new spot this summer, you'll have time to contact the landowner an seek hunting permission before the seasons open. If you have a young hunter along, scouting will help build enthusiasm. And if there's a learner's permit holder in the truck, a lonely gravel road is the perfect place to hone driving skills. I can assure you, they'll never forget.

Wingshooting Blast

Wayne Doyle, retired Hunter Education Program coordinator, and I just finished a basic wingshooting program at the Pratt Gun Club. We worked with six youngsters and three adults one night a week through July. The program was Wayne’s brainchild four years ago. He wanted to provide more instruction than beginning shooters get during a hunter education field day or a one-day outdoor skills event. The multiple sessions allow the shooters to learn basics and then apply those skills to different target presentations.

Even though this July’s extremely hot weather made the evening sessions uncomfortable, the shooters showed up each night eager to learn. Everyone made great progress and learned that wingshooting is truly a blast. All participants raised their hands at the close of the last evening when I asked them if they planned on hunting this fall. I truly hope they all get the chance.

I know the hot weather has made this summer seem to last forever, but it will be over before we know it. But it’s not too late to get involved in a shooting program. Many 4-H Shooting Sports programs are gearing up for youth events that will take place over the next month. Check with your local extension office or local gun club. Many of the youth programs conducted at gun clubs provide several practice sessions before a final competition day. These events are great fun, and can help prepare young hunters for the fall hunting seasons, improving not only their shooting skills, but their safe gun handling skills as well. 

First Dove Hunt

I remember by first dove hunt. It was probably my third year of hunting, and I had all but resigned to the fact that I had to wait until the second Saturday of November. Pheasant hunting was all I knew at that point, and opening day seemed a long way away. When Dad learned a little about dove hunting, we talked about going. I can still almost taste the excitement that filled me as we anticipated an evening hunt. That afternoon, as we readied our gear, our neighbor called to see if I could mow his lawn that evening. I mowed his lawn regularly that summer, and he was my largest single source of income at the time. I was nearly in tears when I got off the phone, thinking our dove hunt was cancelled. Dad just chuckled and said, "Just call him back and tell him you'll mow tomorrow night. He won't mind." Dad was right, and I was back in business. We set up in the abandoned farmstead where Dad had grown up and waited. Just as we'd been told, doves started showing up to roost in the big elms and cottonwoods. We both managed to kill a couple of doves that evening - not a huge bag by most standards, but it was an incredibly successful hunt for me. I've dove hunted each fall since, and I imagine the memory of that first hunt is part of what draws me back every September. Never underestimate the power of passing it on.

PLAN NOW FOR FALL HUNTS

While it may be difficult to think about hunting seasons when the temperature outside is 105, it’s time to start planning for fall hunting. The dove season opens September 1, and there are some fantastic opportunities to get young hunters into high-quality hunting experiences through “Special hunts.” Visit the KDWPT website (www.kdwpt.state.ks.us), click on “Hunting” then on “Special Hunts Information,” and you’ll find a list of special hunts, many of which are geared toward youth hunters or youth/mentor pairs. These hunts allow limited access on specific dates to hunters who are drawn from a pool of applicants.

There are also some wildlife areas where certain dove fields are designated for youth hunting, and others open certain fields for youth or youth-mentor pairs for the first few days of the season. To find out more about wildlife areas with managed dove fields, go to “Hunting,” click on “Migratory Birds,” then “Doves” and finally “Managed Hunting Areas.” Wildlife area managers will often plant sunflowers, wheat or millet on these fields. If conditions are right, these fields can be dove magnets and provide excellent dove hunting with lots of action – the perfect situation for a mentor to teach a youth about wingshooting.

On the Special Hunts list, you'll also find opportunities during the the youth deer season, which is September 10-18. And in addition to the limited-access Special Hunts, some biologists, game wardens, wildlife area managers and park managers host special youth hunts in cooperation with local conservation groups. These hunts accept applications for a limited number of young hunters, who are guided by local hunters on either public land not normally open to hunting or private land. Watch the newspapers for notices and application deadlines or call your nearest Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism office for information.

Applications for any of the Special Hunts in September and October must be submitted by August 14. 

You can do a lot your fall hunting preparation on the computer from the air-conditioned comfort of your home, but make time between now and September 1 for a few outings to the local gun range. A little shooting practice is fun and will make a big difference when the seasons roll around.

FISHING IS GOOD FOR YOU

I truly believe fishing is good for your health. Here's why: First, there are the obvious attributes. Going fishing gets you outside and usually there is some  exercise involved. Fresh air, exercise and being outside is good for your body. Second, fishing is good for your mental outlook. Fishing can take your mind off of whatever worries or stresses are weighing on you. Spending an hour or two fishing can truly relax your mind and refresh your outlook. And third, fishing can improve your relationships with family and friends. Spending a couple hours helping your child catch a fish or learn to cast a spinning reel will benefit both of you.

Several years ago, a single mother called me to ask about the Pass It On program. Her son was interested in hunting, and she was unsure how to help him get involved. She was from an urban environment and guns scared her. However, she noticed how different her son was when he went fishing with his cousins. Being outdoors fishing had a calming effect on her son, and it resulted in an improvement in his behavior. I admired her for her willingness to overcome deep-seated fears to help her young son.

Of course fishing isn't for everyone, but most people will benefit from spending time fishing. Think of it as a form of self improvement. Go fishing today.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PASSING IT ON

I gave a program to our local Rotary Club at noon today. It's a small-town club, and they're always interested in what's going on in Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. I told them about what I did and what the Information Production Section did, and then I started talking about Pass It On. I'm passionate about the program and what it represents, so it's easy for me to talk about. However, my Dad's a Rotarian and was in the crowd. When I got to the part about being one of the lucky kids growing up because Dad always took me along when he went hunting, I choked up. I was pretty sure I would get emotional, but I didn't feel it until I uttered those words, "I was one of the lucky ones . . . " Even I didn't realize the impact that would have. I had to pause for several seconds and compose myself before I could speak again. Dad's simple act of including me in his hunting trips had a profound impact on my life that continues to this day. Never, ever underestimate the impact of your actions when you spend time hunting and fishing with youngsters. They won't forget it, and the time you spend together will have a positive influence on their lives and your relationships. I'm 52 years old and speaking about my dad taking me hunting 40 years ago chokes me up. Never underestimate the power of passing it on.

Just “Fishing”

When I was growing up, our family vacations were usually focused on being together outdoors – the vacations I remember, anyway. The most vivid memories I have are vacations with my dad’s sister’s family. Uncle Art and Aunt Barbara had a boy my age and a girl my sister’s age, and we all got along great. My cousin Brad and I have very similar interests – we both love to fish and be outdoors. We always reminisce about a northern Wisconsin vacation with our two families, plus Granddad and Grandma. We all stayed in a big cabin right on Round Lake, near Hayward. We spent all day fishing and swimming. It was 1969, and I can remember the date because we watched the first moon walk on an old black and white TV that took quarters. We all sat riveted to the fuzzy screen watching the moon footage, and the TV would go black, and we’d scramble to put in another quarter. I have vivid memories of fishing for pike, walleye and ringed perch, the clear lakes and forested countryside. Forty years later, Brad and I still remember and laugh about how much fun we had. Another standout vacation was spent in a cabin on Table Rock Lake in southern Missouri. Again, it was both families and Granddad and Grandma. Mom and Dad always talk about how hot and humid it was, but Brad and I don’t remember that -- probably because we were in the water most of the time. We remember fishing around the docks, Silver Dollar City and exploring the woods around the cabin.

There were other vacations and although they were memorable, they don’t stand out like those we spent outdoors. Our families are still close and we get together on the holidays. Brad and I still hunt and fish together when we can, and we almost invariably reminisce about those wonderful times we had as youngsters.

Trace Adkins has a song out called “Just Fishing,” which is about fishing with his young daughter. It really hits home because I can look back now and understand just how much those family fishing trips impacted me and how much those memories mean to me 40 years later. Take time this summer to be outdoors with your family – just fishing. You’ll be glad you did.

SUMMER OUTDOOR MAGIC

“Hot enough for ya?” is a common sarcastic greeting around the office when it’s really hot. The common response includes rolling the eyes and a guttural, unpleasant-sounding groan. Perhaps it’s human nature to grow cynical about certain things as we age, and mid-summer heat seems to be high on everyone’s list. However, when I was a boy, summer, at whatever temperature, was magic.

The big event was “summer vacation.” The last day of school was one of the most anticipated dates of my life when I was nine or 10. Summer marked the last day of school and the beginning of summer vacation. That first Monday morning when I didn’t have to get up and go to school was pure bliss. When you’re a kid, three months is forever, and the first of September when school re-started seemed half a lifetime away. But the other thing that marked summer vacation was being outdoors. I don’t remember spending much time in the house during the summer, unless I was sleeping. Summer was synonymous with “outside.”

For me growing up in a small Kansas town meant a summer daily schedule of something like this: Sleep in. Ride my bike over to my cousin’s house and convince him that we should go fishing. After digging for worms, we’d ride our bikes to the lake. We’d fish, throw rocks, catch frogs, get wet and dirty, and once in a while we’d catch a fish. By noon it was getting hot, so we’d ride home to eat lunch, then change into our swimming suits, get back on our bikes and head for the city pool. We’d swim all afternoon. After supper, we were either on our bikes riding with friends around town, playing basketball in the driveway, or playing “capture the flag” or other yard games until after dark. The only reason to be in the house was to eat, change clothes and sleep. The next day, we’d get up and do it again.

 
A special treat was getting a ride to the farm pond south of town where we could swim, fish, catch frogs, get dirty -- I guess pretty much the same itinerary as at the state fishing lake but in a “wild” setting. When we were a little older, we’d sometimes get dropped off at the pond in afternoon with a cooler of food and drinks, cots, sleeping bags and fishing tackle. We’d sleep under the stars, tell stories, and ending up scaring ourselves. I remember one night when a meteor shower kept us entertained well into the night. My mom or aunt would often drive us to the pond and wait patiently for us to tire of swimming and fishing. If we stayed the night, they'd pick us up the next morning. Looking back, I can see how lucky we were. 

There are lots of opportunities for summer outdoor magic, no matter where you live. There are more than 40 state fishing lakes and 200 community lakes within an easy drive or bike ride. You can find all of them, as well as other useful outdoor information on KDWPT's website. Don't let kids miss out being outdoors this summer and take advantage of the great summer fun found across Kansas.

Revel In The Experience

It seems like just yesterday I was preparing to leave for my Canada fishing trip, but I'm already in my second day back at work. The week went too fast, but my Dad, my aunt and I had a great time. The weather was nice, and even though we had to work hard for the fish we caught, we were successful. It was my Aunt Barbara's first real fishing trip, and she handled herself well. We spent nearly 10 hours a day in the boat and she never once quit casting or acted like she was tired of fishing. She had a lot of coaching from Dad and me -- probably too much, but she took it all in and landed one of the biggest pike of the trip. Because I wanted her to enjoy the entire experience, I spent a lot of time looking for and pointing out the various wildlife we encountered. I never get tired of seeing and hearing loons, watching beavers in the evenings, or marveling at the huge snapping turtles that have climbed out on the bank to bask in the sun. Aunt Barbara loved it all, and I think because she was along, I had more fun. I didn't take any of the sights, sounds or smells for granted, even though I've been there 20 times. Experiencing it through new eyes enhanced the the trip for me. Northwest Ontario is a huge unspoiled wilderness, and being there always has a rejuvenating effect on me. Enjoying it with my dad and aunt made that experience better.

BUILDING TRADITIONS

In four days, Dad and I will be heading north for a week-long fishing trip in northwest Ontario – Lake of the Woods. Dad and I took our first fishing trip to Canada in 1989. I was 30 years old on our first trip, but I had been dreaming of fishing in Canada since I was a young boy. I was as excited as a 7-year-old opening a giant birthday present. I’ll never forget the last 80 miles of our drive. The country looked exactly as I thought it should – wilderness with water everywhere. It was love at first sight for me. This trip will be our 20^th together. While we started going for the fishing, a funny thing happened: the fishing became secondary. Oh, I fish like heck for five days, but we ended up building a tradition where the time together was the priority. We see each other every week throughout the year, but the trip is something special. Dad’s 76 now, and I’m not sure he has another trip in him after this one. He doesn’t have the same enthusiasm for the 1,100-mile drive, and I think it’s getting hard for him to endure. I’ve gone a couple of times without him, most recently in 2008. He and mom were taking an Alaskan cruise that summer and he skipped Canada. My cousin and I went that year, but it was weird driving out of Pratt without Dad.  This year, Dad and his sister are going. Aunt Barbara only recently got the fishing bug, and I can’t wait to see her hook into a big pike. This trip is sure to be special. I think I’ll continue making the trip north each summer because I truly enjoy being in that country, but I’ll sure miss having Dad along. I know I’ll be sad if he decides not to go, but I’ll always be thankful for the 20 trips we took. We have so many great memories – all because we started fishing together nearly 50 years ago. 

Good Places, Good Memories

Dad and I fished last night. I needed to check some things out on my boat before our Canada trip, and it seemed logical to do some fishing while we were at it. I recently installed a new sonar fish finder on the boat and was anxious to see how it worked. And the way the wind has blown this spring, we knew we needed to take advantage of any calm evening. Clark State Fishing Lake, north of Ashland in Clark County, is about an hour away, so we drove down for a short evening trip. Clark is a jewel of the prairie that you have to see to appreciate. Driving in from the north, you pass wheat fields and native prairie -- flat and wide open. When you turn west, for the last mile, you still can't see the lake. Then the prairie drops out from under you into a spectacular canyon, deep and rugged. The sight of the 300-acre lake in the bottom of that canyon never fails to impress me, even though I've been going there for almost 40 years. The road in from the east drops off quickly, and as I braked the truck down the steep grade, I remembered our first trip there -- Mom, Dad and little sister Teri. It was a picnic outing, but of course I remember fishing, and I remember catching a couple of small bass. The memory of that simple afternoon family picnic at the lake has stayed with me all this time. Dad and I caught some fish last night, reminisced about past trips to the lake, and enjoyed a rare calm evening. Any way you look at it, Clark State Fishing Lake is a special place, but you should see it for yourself. I'm sure memories of trips with my family and Dad skew my view.

No Easy Solutions

Since I’ve been working with our Pass It On program, I’ve heard lots of ideas on how to get youngsters involved in hunting. Our problem was that a smaller percentage of our population was hunting and as a result, fewer youngsters were getting the chance to experience hunting. It’s a snowballing problem. Logically, we first looked at the barriers. Find out what’s preventing kids from learning about hunting and remove those barriers. It makes sense. However, we’ve learned that it’s not as easy as removing a few roadblocks and standing back. While removing any obstacle that may have prevented a parent from taking a child hunting is good, it’s only a small part of the solution. Especially when you consider that one of the biggest barriers may be “not enough time.” The time factor isn’t something we can sink our teeth into because what people are really saying is that hunting isn’t a priority. “Not enough time” means that other activities are higher on the priority list and probably easier to accommodate. For someone who lives in an urban environment, going hunting is an all-day event – probably more if you figure in the time it takes to get access and prepare equipment. So how do we overcome that? I believe the only way to remove that barrier is to get kids outside and participating, either through an outdoor skills event or special hunt. When we teach a youngster to shoot a shotgun or bow, or we show them how much fun it is to watch a bird dog work, and when they feel the adrenaline when a rooster flushes at their feet, they’ll be hooked. Some of those kids will discover that hunting is something they want to try again, and they will make it a priority for them and their parents. There’s no easy answer to this, and it will take every grassroots effort to make a difference. And I believe the value of the time spent working with young people in this endeavor will make a positive difference in their lives. I know it did in mine.

A Simple Act

In my last entry, I closed by saying that I felt lucky my father took me along on that fishing trip when I was five. I also feel extremely fortunate that my father took me along when he went pheasant hunting. I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I was hooked on hunting from the first second of the first morning of my first hunt. It was that simple. That's really all it took to send me on a life-long journey enjoying hunting, fishing and the outdoors. That simple act has impacted who I am today, where I live and what I do for a living. It also had a profound impact on my relationship with my father. We're close today, and we still hunt and fish together. Those early days of fishing and pheasant hunting laid a foundation for a father/son relationship that remains strong. Dad and I will make our 20th trip to Canada fishing this year, and whether the fish bite or not, we'll have a great time. And to think, it all started more than 45 years ago when Dad took me fishing for the first time. Thanks Dad.

The Hook

I'm not sure when I really started my obsession with fish and fishing, but some of my earliest memories are of fishing in Colorado with my parents and grandparents. I distinctly remember a high-country beaver pond experience when I was four or five years old. We lived in Denver and one of my neighborhood buddy's parents had a cabin in the mountains. One weekend, Dad and I accompanied my buddy, his older brother and father on an overnight trip to the cabin. I don't remember much about the cabin, but I do remember what they called a 5-mile hike. We walked up to a high meadow divided by a creek and dotted with beaver ponds. I remember the cloudy, dreary morning and the dark water. I stood next to Dad as he cast. Suddenly a fish struck, and Dad handed me the rod. Beautiful brook trout seemed to hit on every cast, and I reeled in my share. I was hooked. I really don't know if that was a catalyst of my lifelong passion for fishing or if it was just a little gas on the fire. I do know that memory is firmly imbedded in my brain. I'm sure Dad was just happy to see me get such a kick out of reeling in those little trout, but the experience had a much more profound impact on me. Never underestimate the value of spending time with youngsters fishing, hunting and learning about the outdoors. I guarantee you, they will never forget. Seeing the accompanying video Mike Blair shot this spring reminded me of how lucky I was my father took me along.

Get Them Outside

In my last blog I wrote that worrying about success and instant gratification is a waste of time. In reality, the things we have to work for will mean the most to us. And there is another reality: not everyone will love hunting and fishing. I know parents who worry that if their kids don't get lots of action on every hunt or catch lots of fish on every trip, they won't turn out to be hunters and anglers. We'll, some won't no matter how much action you show them. Over the last 11 years I've been working with youth programs, I've developed a theory about this. I believe that if we had a group of 30 youngsters and took them on a field day -- shooting, hunting, fishing -- that regardless of how much action there was, 10 would think it was the best thing they've done and would want to go again and again. Ten would have fun and would want to go again if their friends or family went. The other 10 would enjoy aspects of the day, but they will still prefer to play sports or video games. Not everyone is born to be a hunter and angler. However, time is not lost on those who decide not to take up hunting and fishing. Spending time teaching youngsters about the outdoors will still be beneficial to them and to you. And down the road, they'll be more likely to support conservation programs because they'll understand how and why they're important. The point is, we need to give all youngsters the chance to hunt and fish and learn about the outdoors.  We need that 20 percent or 30 percent who think it's the best thing they've ever done, and we need the other 70 percent who will like it and appreciate it, even though they may only be casual anglers or hunters, at best. Getting kids outdoors and having fun is only thing you need to worry about.

The Best Things In Life Require Time And Effort

I've heard it dozens of times: "Today's kids require instant gratification. If you want them to become hunters or anglers, they'll have to have fast action." We'll I guess I don't completely buy into that line of thinking. In fact, I think the things in my life that mean the most are the things that I've worked for -- they required effort and success wasn't immediate. But when success did come, it was truly appreciated. I recently spent three days fishing for trout in Colorado with one of my best friends. We forged our friendship hunting and fishing together while we were in high school. It's a friendship that's lasted and one that picks up right where we left off, no matter how long it's been since we've seen each other. It took time to build that friendship, but it's so much better than a casual acquaintance. As a matter of fact, one evening while reminiscing we talked a little about our early attempts at becoming pheasant hunters. As youngsters, we both trudged many miles without success, but lack of success fueled a determination in us. All the while, we were learning. Initial success was a single bird, and it was truly satisfying when it finally came. We're still pursuing and still learning. We hunt and fish differently today and measure success in a different manner, but hard work and perseverance still pay off. By the way, our fishing trip was a perfect example. It was cold and very windy and the fish were finicky. Catching one required true effort and time. We fished until our muscles ached in ridiculous conditions with only a few fish to show. But the fish were large, and we enjoyed each other's company. We both agreed it was one of our best trips -- not measured in numbers of fish.

My point is that the rewards of spending time with your children or friends hunting and fishing aren't birds in the bag or fish on the line. For sure, plan trips for the best chances of success, but know that each minute you spend is an investment not only in a lifetime outdoor heritage but also in building strong, lasting relationships.

Remembering

It's funny some of the memories from my youth I hold onto. I'll never forget the first time I hunted behind pointing dogs. I had several seasons of walking fields for pheasants under my belt and was thoroughly hooked, but none in our hunting party owned a hunting dog. When one of my dad's coworkers invited us on a quail hunt near Protection, I was excited. But what made my excitement nearly uncontainable was the fact that several of the hunters were bringing dogs -- a pointer and a setter. I couldn't wait. It was a great day but what I remember most was the first point in the first walk. Just after sunrise, we were walking a little homestead site. The pointer went on a rock-solid point. We all approached slowly, and I was literally shaking with anticipation. But after kicking and walking through the patch of grass, nothing flushed. I was disappointed. However the dog stayed on point. A closer look revealed a patch of quail skin and feathers half the size of a dollar bill. It was probably from a bird killed by a hawk or other predator earlier that morning, but the fact that the dog scented it and pointed it fascinated me. I have been fascinated and in love with bird dogs ever since. And I've never lost that boy-like anticipation I feel while walking up to a dog on point. Just writing about it now, I can visualize the intensity in the dog's eyes, every muscle taut, waiting for the explosion of grass and feathers. I'd say that one hunt when I was 13 had a profound impact on me.

It's Never Too Late

Most of my blogging has focused on getting youngsters started hunting and fishing because today's youngsters are the future of wildlife conservation. However, it's never to late to discover the joys of hunting and fishing. My aunt is a perfect example. For some reason, she didn't figure out how much she enjoyed fishing until a few years ago. She began fishing off the docks while visiting a home on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. She caught the fishing bug and spent hours fishing there with mixed results. She's my dad's sister, so I encouraged him to invite her on our annual Canada fishing trip. I'm already imagining the look on her face when a 10-pound northern pike explodes on her lure. I think I'll get more of a kick out of her catching fish than I will my own. This past weekend, she was in town to visit Mom and Dad, and I told them we needed a warm-up fishing trip. We spent the morning on a private sand pit and had a ball catching crappie and small bass. As I expected -- I got as excited as she did when a crappie hit her jig and pulled her float under -- maybe I got more excited. I can't help it. That's probably why I am so passionate about passing it on -- it's as much fun for me as it is the "kids" -- no matter their age.

Shooting Opportunities

If you've never shot a shotgun, you don't the fun you're missing. Breaking a flying target with a shotgun is a satisfying accomplishment, and it's a blast to watch the orange target explode into dust when you center it in your pattern. Wingshooting is a valuable skill that will make your bird hunting more enjoyable and successful, and practice during the off season is necessary. From now through next fall, local gun clubs all across Kansas will be holding trap, skeet and sporting clay shoots. Kansas 4-H clubs are starting their shooting sports programs this spring, as are some high school and college shooting clubs. Shooting competitively is fun and exciting, and it will make you a better wingshot when the fall hunting seasons open. Contact your local gun club, Extension office or nearest KDWP office to find out about any local shooting programs. Shooting is a blast!

Recruiting Hunters With Hunter Education

When we first began planning a hunter recruitment and retention program, we tried to identify anything that could prevent a youngster from experiencing hunting. We made some assumptions, and one of those was that mandatory hunter education was a barrier. It stood to reason that 10 hours of classroom instruction over several evenings and a Saturday morning could be a time commitment that some youngsters wouldn’t make unless they knew they were going to enjoy hunting. However, early studies, comparing states that required hunter education with those that didn’t, showed equal youth recruitment rates. Even so, we changed our laws to make it easier on parents and kids to experience hunting. Currently, youngsters under the age of 16 don’t need hunter education certification if they hunt under adult supervision. Kind of a “try it before you buy it” situation. We also have a new delivery method that utilizes computers and the internet – something today’s youth are hooked into. The internet-assisted course allows students to complete one of the approved hunter education internet courses before coming to a field day. The first step is to pre-register for an internet-assisted course. You can find a list of course schedules on KDWP’s Hunter Education webpage. There are a couple of options to the internet course, which must be completed within 90 days prior to the field day. The internet course will require several hours of work. The field day is the fun part. After a short time in the classroom, students get outside. Most field days are divided among several stations, including live-fire, gun handling and a trail walk. Students will spend an hour or more at each, receiving hands-on instruction and walking-through field scenarios. After the stations are completed, students come back into the classroom to complete the final test and receive their certificates. Most students indicate they enjoy the field day immensely.

In fact, during a recent course in Pratt, the weather did not cooperate for the field day. It was cool, breezy and rainy, but the students were ready and willing. At the shotgun live-fire station, students huddled out of the wind waiting their turn, but all broke targets and had fun. Approaching lightning ran us inside several times, but we persisted. A couple of young ladies, who had not shot a shotgun before, showed particular promise, breaking targets and thoroughly enjoying the wingshooting despite the weather.

As the Pass It On program has evolved and partnered with the Hunter Education Program, I see Hunter Education as a key recruitment tool rather than a barrier. The field day experience can provide students with confidence that they can learn the outdoor skills necessary for hunting. Another young shooter last week assured me he would not break a flying target with a shotgun. He told me he’d tried before and just wasn’t good at it. Our instruction is designed for success, and I bet him he would break a target. He wasn’t convinced, and he missed the first two targets. However, after some instruction and encouragement, he broke the next eight targets we threw. After he broke a couple of more difficult crossing targets, I told him not only could he shoot but that he was good at it. He left the stand with a broad smile and new-found confidence. Experiences such as this convince me that Hunter Education can be a student’s initiation into hunting and start them on a life-long road of adventure and discovery.

ANTICIPATING FUN

Taking a child turkey hunting this spring is a big deal – both for you and for the youngster. I hope those making plans are looking forward to opening morning with anxious anticipation. In fact, the anticipation – looking forward to the hunt is almost as much fun as the hunt. Preparation for an upcoming hunt not only will make you and your young hunter more likely to be successful, but it is also a big part of the hunting experience.

Preparation should start now, and it can be as simple as an evening drive in the area you plan to hunt. Seeing a flock of turkeys feeding in a field is a great way to build confidence and excitement. Spring time is also a great time to see rooster pheasants boldly strutting and crowing along the back roads, waterfowl gathered in roadside potholes, and deer on the move.

Get your young turkey hunter a couple of turkey calls so he or she can start practicing now. The easiest to operate is probably the push-button-type call, but with a little practice, a box call is easily mastered. I still enjoy playing with – I mean practicing with my turkey calls, so imagine how a youngster preparing for his or her first turkey hunt will feel.

A short trip to the gun range to practice shooting at a turkey head target should be on the list. This will teach the shooter proper aim point, help select a good load and choke, and it will build confidence. Talk to the youngster about being in the right position to reduce movement. Have the hunter wear a hat, facemask and gloves, and talk through a likely scenario.

This preparation will make the young hunter feel ready on opening morning, and it’s guaranteed to be fun for both of you.