Page 20 - OSCSCI 40th Annual Banquet

much more meaningful, a That’s what my Grumpy calls
Avery Hammons
Junior Division Girl
Grade: 9 Teacher: Brian Jones
Age: 14 School: Woodall Public
Hunting, Sharing
the Heritage:
Hunting has always been more
than just a sport to me, it’s a
tradition that connects my fami-
ly, teaches responsibility, and
helps me appreciate nature. Ev-
er since I was little, I’ve
watched my dad and Grumpy
(grandpa) get up before sun-
rise, put on their camo, and
head out into the woods. I used
to think they were just going to
hunt deer, but now I realize
they were sharing something
way of life that has been
passed down for generations.
When I turned twelve, my dad
took me hunting for the first
time. I remember the cold
morning air and how quiet the
woods were. We sat together in
the blind, barely whispering,
just listening to the sounds of
nature waking up. It wasn’t just
about getting a deer; it was
about patience, respect, and
learning how to be part of
something bigger
than myself. That
day, I understood
is
hunting
why
called “sharing the
heritage.” It’s about
spending time together,
learning skills, and appreci-
ating where our food
comes from.
Hunting has taught me a lot of
life lessons. I’ve learned pa-
tience from sitting for hours
waiting for the right moment.
I’ve learned responsibility from
handling firearms safely and
understanding the importance
of following hunting laws and
seasons. I’ve also learned re-
spect for the animals, the land,
and the people who came be-
fore me who hunted to provide
for their families. When I har-
vest an animal, I don’t take it
lightly. We use the meat, and
nothing goes to waste.
“honoring the hunt.”
Some people think hunting is
just about killing animals, but
that’s not true. It’s about con-
servation, too. Hunters help
keep wildlife populations bal-
anced and support habitat pro-
tection through hunting licenses
and fees. I feel proud knowing
that by being part of this tradi-
tion, I’m helping take care of
nature for future generations.
One of my favorite parts of
hunting is the time spent with
family. Whether we’re sitting
around the campfire, telling sto-
ries, or hiking through the
woods, it’s time away from
phones and distractions. It’s
where I feel closest to my dad
and Grumpy. Someday, I hope
to pass this tradition on to my
own kids so they can feel the
same connection to the out-
doors and our family heritage.
To me, hunting isn’t just some-
thing we do, it’s who we are. It’s
a way to learn, to grow, and to
stay connected to both family
and nature. Sharing the herit-
age of hunting means keeping
those values alive and passing
them on, one sunrise at a time.