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.