As you read the testimonials from parents, mentors, and the young hunters themselves in this edition, who went on their first dove hunt, or the Special Youth Deer Hunting Day September 27th, or bow hunt, we are confident that you will be inspired by the comments from the record number of young hunters who took advantage of good weather and took time off from other routine fall Saturday activities to give these youngsters a memorable day afield and create a new tradition. I’ll bet you remember your first deer hunt, or a special day afield sharing the traditions, skills, and character building experiences that can last a lifetime. The creation of these new traditions are especially important in this fast paced society that tends to keep us from taking the time and effort to spend a day in the wild – appreciating the wonders of nature and spending real “quality time” with one of “tomorrow’s conservation leaders.” Despite the many competing activities and not being disappointed whether they harvested a deer or not, if you took a young hunter out this season, you created a unique memory and hopefully started a “new tradition” these youngsters can pass on some day.
Be sure and review the Wild Events You Don’t Want To Miss section for the numerous youth and family opportunities for hunting and fishing related events, skill building workshops, and sportsmen’s shows that offer something for beginners as well as the most experienced hunters. Read all the great stories from these young hunters in this edition and if you missed the special Youth Deer, Turkey, or Waterfowl Hunting Days this year, be sure and take a young person out before the seasons ends – the future of our sport and hunting heritage traditions depend on it. David Coffman, Editor