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Jesse's Hunting > Hunting Articles > The Diana Factor (Women in the Field) > Pass On the Tradition through Mentoring
Pass On the Tradition through Mentoring
Heather Reddemann - JHO ProStaff
- MN
November 30, 2005
Pass along the tradition
The author and young hunter, Stephanie Pinkalla enjoy a moment in the marsh. |
People often ask me how I got so interested and involved in hunting. Well, I am forever grateful to my father for taking me out when I was a child. He introduced me to the beauty of the wild and taught me to respect the resource. My natural interest and curiosity has carried me the rest of the way.
Now I find myself as a young adult in this fast paced world, pursuing a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries and enjoying any opportunity to introduce others to the irreplaceable gifts we have been given. Mentoring young hunters is one of the ways I can pass along the lessons my father passed to me.
As you may have read in the September JHO Journal, I was privileged this past August to be a camp counselor at Minnesota Waterfowl Association’s 17th Annual Youth “Woodie” Camp up in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. In October, I had the opportunity to reunite with one of the campers, Stephanie Pinkalla and accompanied Stephanie and her father, Craig, on a fun-filled morning of waterfowl hunting.
It had rained a lot prior to the morning of our hunt. Many fields were flooded and the duck movement was at a minimum that calm morning. Even so, a few flocks and singles flew around the slough. It was fun identifying all of the diverse creatures that were out that day. The highlight of the day was a pair of Trumpeter swans and a crew of noisy Sandhill cranes that passed over us.
However, just being out in the blind, carrying on great conversations and sharing hunting stories made for a great day and an enjoyable time. Watching Stephanie enjoy the outdoors was truly rewarding. She has the same natural excitement and enthusiasm I had when I was her age. It makes you realize how wonderful this sport is. It is a priceless privilege that every hunter and non-hunter alike should value and respect.
I know my Father enjoyed watching me passing on my experiences and knowledge as he once did (and continues to do today). I hope that I can continue to be a positive role model to youth who are interested in the outdoors and hunting.
You can do it too. Get out there and show our next generation what the outdoors has to offer, make some wonderful memories with your loved ones, and share the beauty of nature.
Author’s Recommendations: Most states offer youth hunts as well as all of the appropriate certified hunter’s safety training courses. Whether you are looking to volunteer your time to youth hunting and education or get your youngster involved in the outdoors, check with your state’s natural resources department. Education is important and priceless.
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