It was like clockwork. As late summer began to roll into early fall, Dad would begin taking our two hunting dogs, a Britney and a beagle, to the farm fields near home for training.
Over time Dad would increase the amount of time we would spend in the field. Gradually each dog began to appear more muscular. Under Dad’s watchful eye he monitored the dogs making sure they were “working the landscape to their fullest potential. At the same time I was being coached. In a whisper Dad would help me better understand our canine partners.
Dad would whisper, “See the way the dogs are reacting? Watch “nipper’s” (our beagle) body language and he will share with you what he is dong. Always watch his tail. His tail will show you what he’s found. When his tail is wagging normally back and forth, he’s trying to locate the scent of a rabbit. But when his tail begins to rotate, he’s found a scent.”
It didn’t take long until the dog jumped a rabbit. Dad said, “Listen to what the dog is telling us as he barks. When he’s on the trail of a rabbit, listen to how the bark changes in frequency and pitch.”
Dad’s watchful eye scanned the hedgerows and thickets to be certain the canines were working the landscape to their fullest potential. At the same time and unbeknownst to me, Dad was watching me. Later when my younger brother was old enough to join the group, he too was scrutinized as well.
Early on we learned how to avoid all kinds of prickly things, such as nettles and burdock, both of which will adhere to hunting clothing like a magnet to steel.
Later, firearms were introduced and a whole new set of instructions were directed our way.
A pair of inquisitive boys living under the same roof where firearms were readily available could be a recipe for disaster. But not in our home, or for the overwhelming majority of other families of the time. When it came to firearms, we were taught respect, safety, and were provided an in-depth understanding of firearms. Deviate from the rules, and there was a price to be paid.
My brother and I were fortunate to have grown up in a time when participating in the field sports was common. We looked forward to hunting seasons and time honing our marksmanship skills on the shooting range.
At home when hunting season rolled around, our hunts became a family affair. That was also a time when our extended family also grew in size.
Regardless of the age, skill level or place in society, those who liked to hunt with us were welcomed. Especially when we traveled to our hunting camp.
Everyone was treated with dignity and respect, and that went double for the kids. But times have changed.
It’s no secret that the number of those of us who purchase a hunting license is on the decline. So what can be done to encourage young hunters and others to join our ranks? The quick answer is, more than most realize.
Deep rooted traditions are, and continue to be, a part of hunting. However when it comes to change, often “tradition” becomes the sticking point.
Today a common phrase heard is, “We’ve always done it that way, and we don’t need to change.” A growing number of sportsmen don’t agree.
For the most part today’s hunters who are 40 years old or older were mentored by their parents or grandparents in a traditional way. And that’s fine. But times have changed, and continue to change. Sportsmen need to adapt or see their numbers dwindle even more.
Today there are a number of new and effective methods that can be used to give new hunters incentive to join our ranks. The Mentored Youth Hunting Program is one of them.
Fact is, the special firearms season for antlerless deer is slated for Oct. 18-20th. This hunt is open to junior and senior license holders, Mentored Youth, active-duty military, and certain disabled person’s permit holder.
The entire Youth Mentored Program is detailed on page 13 of the current Hunting & Trapping Digest.
Has the program been a success? From 2009 through 2016 the average number of permits sold has been 32,284. That’s great, however there is plenty of room for additional participation.
Yes, the traditional methods of connecting youngsters still work. However the new mentored programs are playing an important role in increasing hunter recruitment especially with today’s ever changing society.
Kids can’t become involved in the Mentored Youth Program by themselves.
Simply put, it takes two. A willing adult who will provide their undivided attention to an eager youngster willing to learn is also needed. Sounds like a winning combination to me.
Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America and the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers. Gateway Outdoors e-mail is GWOutdoors@comcast.net