Pennsylvania Game News - July 2010 - 27

deer. Again home to warm up. We returned at two o’clock for the last try of the season. Max had been tough on Noah and kept asking why it was taking him so long to get his deer, as Max got one after only an hour of sitting. The pressure was on. We sat from two o’clock until after four, saw turkeys, a fox and several does. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a rack almost behind the treestand. I squeezed Noah’s leg and whispered not to move. After several minutes the deer moved behind the stand and off to our left at about 50 yards. I thought it was over. Just then the deer turned and walked down our trail, stopping several times along the way. Finally it was broadside at 20 yards. Noah had been watching intently. I could hear him breathing so fast and hard it brought back memories of several of my own hunts. I flipped off the safety and Noah fired the crossbow. The deer ran about 20 yards and collapsed. There is no way to describe Noah’s excitement. It was a magnificent 8-point. Back home we went to show Max, who immediately said it was about time. After cleaning both skulls I mounted

them on plaques that are now hanging in their den — but not so close together that size comparisons are easily made. I don’t know how I can top this next year but I will certainly try. I’m really happy that I was able to take part with my grandsons in Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Hunting Program. It was great for me, and I know the boys will never forget it. I hope this was just the start of many years of hunting for them. I have noticed the sharp decline in young hunters over the years I have been hunting, and am concerned that our hunting heritage will not live on unless we “old-timers” help youngsters learn more about the outdoors and the pleasures one can enjoy while hunting and fishing. I know hunting is not for everyone, but without the experience, the youth of today cannot make a decision about this sport. Maybe when I get old one of my grandsons will teach me how to play video games, but for now, I would rather enjoy the outdoors with them.

MENTORED YOUTH HUNTING PROGRAM
In 2006, the Game Commission launched the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, to create hunting opportunities for youngsters under 12 while maintaining safety afield. This program provides a means for youngsters to nurture their interest in hunting and take an active role in those formative trips afield with mentoring adults. The program increases hands-on use of sporting arms and can promote a better understanding and interest in hunting and wildlife conservation that will help assure hunting’s future, as well as reinforce the principles of hunting safely through the close supervision provided by dedicated mentors. For additional information and details about the program, visit the PGC website at www.pgc.state.pa.us, click on “Hunt/Trap,” “Hunting Home,” and then “Mentored Youth Hunting Program Facts and Questions;” or look at the 2010-11 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest.

JULY 2010

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us

Pennsylvania Game News - July 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Game News - July 2010