Be the change you want to see in the world. As a hunter, summer usually is more of a "down time"- a time to plan for the upcoming seasons, fine tune your shots, work on food plots, or travel overseas on a big adventure. This summer has pro-vided me some opportunities to witness some inspiring things and that got me thinking of what we can do to change the world.
This December we will be traveling to the Texas Panhandle with Drake Dawson (Safari Unlimited) to hunt Sandhill Cranes (the "ribeye" of the sky.) We had been interested in doing a stateside hunt that we can take our camper and our pups, this hunt checked all our criteria boxes while supporting someone who does so much for SCI and is an all around great guy. We have never done wing shooting before so starting in March we started having "date days" shooting sporting clays at J&H Game Farm in Navarino, WI. The first time we showed up to get a feel for what it all entailed, we were invited to walk the trails, and check it out. At the first station there were two young men there. These young men, in their early 20s, took time to answer our questions, invited us to tag along, and gave us some tips and advise on the sport. As a couple in our mid-40s, my husband and I are grateful to Nathan and Travis for inviting us along, exchanging numbers with us (and offers to go shooting with us), going out on a limb- mentoring and taking a "middle age couple" under their wings. Which leads me to part of the inspiring events of the summer. As a group passionate about all things hunting it was an important to be reminded that no matter your age or expertise level, there is someone who can benefit from what you know. The ripples you can create as you share your hunting stories, experiences, and knowledge not only serve as a testament to your legacy but might just cause a spark that could ignite a passion for hunting.. maybe even extending for generations to come!!
On June 1, 2024, in Oshkosh I was part of a group of about ten people who be-came Certified Hunter Safety Instructors. The class itself was about five hours long, informative, hands-on, and relatively painless! Kayla Sasse is the DNR's Outdoor Skills Trainer. Her phone number is 920-360-2361. Kayla keeps the class engaged, answers questions, has helpful handouts, and has been amazing to work with. (She also makes a pretty good lunch that was provided during the class!) This is another of those inspiring experiences (and something to think about becoming certified to help out with classes. They are always looking for volunteers and you are able to pick and choose when you are able to help out.)
Shooting sports and archery in the schools are on the increase (YAY!) but the amount of hunters in the field are on the decline (Boo!) as a group we should find this exciting and disheartening at the same time. We need to get involved and figure out how we can get the youth, who are already taking the first step practicing with targets, and figure out how we can mentor or get them interested in hunting; After all they ARE our future!!
I know, as a group we are a wealth of information. Each person I have met, talked to at Expo, and at our member meetings has a story to tell, experiences to share, and the power to inspire and mentor future hunters whether they know it or not! Never underestimate the power of YOU and the difference YOU can make in the world around you after all, I know we ALL remember the person who took the time to get us into hunting and all the memories that have been created because of them!
Please do not hesitate if there is any way as a chapter we can be of assistance. Check out our webpage NEWISCI.org for information on our board of directors and upcoming events. Enjoy the rest of summer and good luck on the upcoming Bow Season.
