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.