As a young boy, I was blessed with the opportunity to spend my childhood in the woods. My dad and uncle were both avid outdoorsmen who had a deep passion for the outdoors. I always admired these men and the companionship they shared. At a young age, I took notice of the ethics they displayed, the care they had for the game they harvested, the tireless work
they put into caring for the land, and the long hours spent preparing for a hunt.
Most of my memories revolve around the various hunting clubs we were part of in Jefferson, Oglethorpe, Jackson, and Hall County. It was in these places that I learned about tradition. I learned the importance of ethical hunting, the value of diligence in the pursuit, how to feast like royalty, and the significance of sharing hunting tales past and present with those around you. Oh, the stories I heard! Many of them still resonate in my mind today—from the one that got away to the missed shots or the inexplicable encounters. These stories shaped my childhood, and even today, I recall them with deep fondness.
In the woods, I learned that there were those who looked like hunters, and then there were the true hunters. The wannabes often showed up late and left early. They were loud, obnoxious, and often disliked by those around them. They were the ones who trespassed on your spot when you weren't there, lied about every encounter, and frequently resorted to unethical practices to achieve success in the woods. The real outdoorsmen in my life discouraged me from pursuing that path. Instead, I had the privilege to model myself after what a "real hunter" looked like. These men were solid. They were the heroes of the woods. They were wise. When they hunted, they almost became like the animal they were pursuing. They possessed an enduring love for the outdoors and were keen on sharing it with others. They wanted their passion to ignite in others and be passed on.
It was these men who shaped me. These kinds of men instilled in me a deep respect for God's creation. They taught me how to sight in my rifle, how to sit patiently, how to utilize a 5-gallon bucket or a milk jug in the woods, how to appreciate the beauty surrounding me, and always to be grateful for the chance to be in the woods. They imparted their wisdom, shared their hunting spots, handed down their worn-out camo, and sometimes, I was fortunate enough to receive a call or even better, a hand-me-down gun. These men left an indelible mark. They taught me to value the experience and to earn it. It is these men, their teachings, their passion, and their willingness to take a young boy hunting that remain with me to this day. I believe the reason they hunted was not only for the pursuit of the animal but also to pass down time-honored traditions and stories they learned when they were young.
This is why we hunt. We hunt to inspire, to teach conservation, to pass down moral and ethical practices that extend beyond the woods. We hunt to showcase the beauty of God's handiwork in his creation, and we hunt to create lasting memories with the people we hold dear.
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