Young Hunters

[Dean Romig]

Great topic Robin.

These days 'peer pressure' has a great deal to do with wether a young person takes up the sport of hunting. My nephew spent many happy times at our grouse and deer camp and participated in both kinds of hunting. Eventually he stopped coming to camp and when I asked him why he simply said that what his friends and other kids were saying about him made him 'feel badly'.
Peer pressure is very powerful and something we need to overcome with reason and compassionate guidance. Cussing out those who regard hunters as criminals or murderers is not the way to overcome the problem. It only makes us look like bullies. We need to take these young people under wing and get them involved with the rich traditions and honorable ways we hunt and spend time outdoors enjoying nature and all she has to offer. It is work. It doesn't come easy and it requires sacrifices of us, our time, and our energies - but it will be worth the effort. Everybody should mentor a kid who shows a spark of interest in hunting. I have four grandchildren who will very soon receive my full attention in keening their interest in what I do outdoors.