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Growing up, my education about the outdoors came from following my father everywhere he went that involved hunting and fishing. My father was passionate about these activities, and it was a significant part of our family life. The only three things I can remember my parents arguing over were hunting, fishing, and putting on dress clothes. Dad wasn’t about putting on airs for anyone.
A Student of Nature
My father was a keen student of anything he had an interest in. He was a marksman, excelling in both wing and still targets. Dad could walk the legs off a dog while hunting pheasants or grouse. One of the first lessons I learned from him was the importance of being quiet and listening. It’s amazing what you can hear when you’re still and focusing on the sounds around you. With practice, you can distinguish between a mouse rustling in the leaves and a squirrel digging for an acorn.
Learning the Details
As we walked through forests and fields, my dad pointed out the small details, teaching me to identify plants, trees, birds, and animals. By the time I was in kindergarten, I could name almost any tree or plant in our area. I eagerly awaited the opening of hunting season, dashing home from school at the sound of the dismissal bell. First came squirrel season, followed by rabbits, pheasants, woodcock, and ducks. Back then, my dad preferred hunting small game over deer. Deer season was just an intermission from rabbit hunting, and we couldn't wait for it to end.
Early Adventures and Skills
I learned essential skills such as tracking in the snow, gutting, skinning, and boning out any game we harvested. For my fifth Christmas, I received my own hunting vest and was promoted to game carrier. I loved hunting so much that I could hardly sleep the night before a big hunt. If I were to teach the next generation, I would start with small game hunting over big game. While I love deer and turkey hunting, nothing builds the foundation like the sound of a good beagle bringing a rabbit around for a shot.
The Joy of Small Game Hunting
For those looking to start their own outdoor adventures or teach the next generation, here are some helpful items to consider:
By taking the time to teach the next generation about the outdoors, you're giving them the tools for a lifetime of enjoyment and connection with nature.
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