A Family Tradition

     Hunting and fishing has always been an important part of my life. Ever since I can remember I have been doing things outside with my dad. He taught me how to bait a hook and gut a deer. It has played a huge role in my life and has helped me become the person I am today.

     Growing up with a passion of being outdoors has made me appreciate all the little things that nature has to offer. It's truly amazing how beautiful nature really is. Being able to sit in a tree stand and seeing the wind blow the leaves or hearing pheasants in the field behind you is something you won't find anywhere else. Being able to watch the sunset and enjoy the first snow fall. He taught me how to track and what to look for when searching for your kill.

     My dad is a member of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA). Their main goal is to help produce mature bucks to hunt. Letting the smaller deer grow so that the next year he can be a nice shooter. Hunting with him helped to teach me patience and to not just shoot the first thing you see. It taught me that waiting for the right deer is all that more fun. Taking your time to actually invest in what you want out of the hunt instead of a quick reward.

     Hunting and being outdoors is more than that a hobby, it's a way of life. I wouldn't want to have it any other way. I have learned how to live off the land in a way and use what I hunt to help make a living for me by providing food for myself. It is something that I will want to teach my children and have them learn how to provide for themselves. Its a family tradition that I hope to pass on to my kids and possible grand kids.