Hunting has always brought people together. Our mission is to continue that tradition.
The below story is just another testament as to why these life skills are so important and powerful....
Two years ago, during a week of camp at UMaine 4-H Camp and Learning Center, these two boys, Gunner Fournier (our son), and Axel Lindsay both met during "Hunter Apprentice." This program is a week long experience where young folks can get some hands on hunting experience and learn from folks in the field. There, they learned about hunting techniques, safety, and opportunities available to young hunters. They had an exciting week, and made a true friendship at camp.
During the fall, they reconnected, and Axel joined us here at Orion for a weekend duck hunt. Both boys were successful, and I enjoyed watching these two young guns share ideas and knowledge about the outdoors. I saw my lessons for my own son paying off, and the skills gained at camp being applied.
They stayed in touch throughout deer season and swapped advice and tips throughout the winter. In May of this year, Axel again joined us, this time for a Turkey hunt. My wife and I had a front row seat to watch magic!
During an early morning hunt, we watched them call a big Tom from his roost. We were calling to the same bird, and Dee passed up what could have been her first Turkey, and allowed him to cross passed our setup, and then Gunner started in. His calling was perfect, and as the bird approached their decoy, Axel quietly raised his shotgun and took the shot...
The excitement was great, but greater was watching my son in his element, so proud of his friend, never doubting his yielding, and enjoying the hunt beyond words. As we sat and watched, I realized that the time invested, the time away at camp, and the friendships gained in this tradition and lifestyle are the reason we do what we do. We've enjoyed getting to know Axel, and I'm sure he and Gunner will have many hunting adventures and stories to tell in the future.
From this I take two things: The importance in a week at summer camp, and the investment in your own children are not to be overlooked. There's plenty of distractions and obligations today, but taking the time to focus on what's important will pay dividends for a lifetime.
Visit UMaine 4-H Camp and Learning Center's website for details about the Hunter Apprentice Program, or other camp offerings at umaine.edu/bryantpond
