Page 65 - OSCSCI 38th Annual Banquet
P. 65
Following that deer season, I week before the hunt to find the
began actively seeking more av- best spot. I learned something in
enues to share the rich heritage this process that will stick with
of my beloved pastime. After just me forever. I learned it did not
a couple of weeks of searching matter how many ducks we shot,
for a place to share my passion but what mattered most was the
for the sport I love, I was ap- fellowship with the hunters. On
proached by a group of individu- the morning of the hunt, we shot
als who are a part of the South- seventeen ducks and two geese.
The joy that reflected in the face
west Delta Waterfowl Chapter,
and they asked me to join their of a young boy named Cash is a
team. After attending a couple of memory that will forever stay
meetings, I knew this was the with me. The novice hunters
place for me. It was only a cou- learned the importance of hunt-
ple months after becoming a ing and got to experience the
committee member of this chap- natural beauty of the outdoors.
ter that I was By sharing my knowledge and
promoted expertise, I am not only teaching
to the others the skills necessary for
Senior Division Boy position hunting, but I am also passing on
of youth co-
Grade: 11 Teacher: Travis Bradshaw ordinator. With a legacy that has been cherished
for generations. Through these
Age: 17 School: Elgin Public this position, I experiences, I am instilling a
the
deep appreciation for nature,
plan
all
youth and veter- wildlife, and the importance of
Sharing the Heritage : ans’ activities and prepare for conservation. Hunting is not just
the youth hunts we put on twice about the thrill of the chase but
a year. This position has given
also about understanding the
…(Continued)… me opportunities to share my delicate balance between hu-
true passion for the outdoors, mans and the natural world.
I told him we could go back out and I am grateful. By passing on the heritage of
that evening since he was stay- As of now, I have put on three hunting, I am ensuring that this
ing the night. Before I could fin- youth hunts and have had a total tradition continues to thrive. I am
ish my sentence, he was putting of twenty youth and seven veter- creating a community of hunters
on his gear to go back out. I nev- ans participate in them. I won’t who not only respect the land
er imagined we would see anoth- forget any of the youth hunts that and wildlife but also understand
er deer that same day, but after I have put on, but nothing will the importance of sustainable
an hour of sitting and enjoying ever compare to the first hunt. hunting practices. Through my
the peaceful outdoors, a buck We held it during a youth and efforts, I am contributing to the
walked out. Deacon displayed veterans activity day at the be- preservation of our natural herit-
that evening, and in that mo- ginning of last year’s duck sea- age and the conservation of our
ment, I once more recognized son. We had four youths and two wildlife.
that this was a pursuit I could veterans. I searched for over a
dedicate myself to for a lifetime. 63