my 12 year old

Great examples folks. Now lets rustle up some new blood this year. I am starting to line up some rewards(not that anyone does it for that but it never hurts to recognize folks who go the extra mile).

I'll be looking for a bow for my son this year at Whittingham. He currently shoots a compound that my father gave him for Christmas a couple of years ago. He asked me a couple of weeks ago if he's ready to take off the training wheels yet.

Great Idea, I've been seeing alot of youngster pics on here lately.










The rest of the story   HERE

Last summer my MBH governor Rob Kruko and I had the chance to teach a group of youngsters through the NWTF "Jakes" program. It was held at the Barry County Conservation Club.. The bows were donated for the day and we also had my kids trad bows on hand. We had a turkey 3-D target and a bear 3-D target. It's funny watching them fling arrows and get hooked on archery.

Figure on May/June to do a little award giving. So folks have lots of time to get busy with a kid. It will keep the flame burning bright in yourself when you help nourish it in another.

Here's a pic of my 4yr old son - Connor - with his little green Bear bow.



And here is my 2yr old son - Ian - who is in charge of "bow security" while Connor gathers his arrows.

Started my boys last summer...the oldest is six and the youngest three...we shoot in the basement during the winter and have a blast! I just have to patch the drywall in the spring!  

Up for Doc Ed.

Cher and I already got a 'date' to take Maggie, a pre teen Aussie cutie, out for her first 'big game' hunt, sometime this year. She will use her custom Glenn Newell longbow. We'll go for rabbits, and perhaps a bit of fox calling. I'm sure I'll enjoy the hunt as much as she, if not more. We'll let her dad come along too - just for kicks - but this hunt is all Maggie's. I'm just the giude!

Ed
TGMM Family of the Bow

Post pics Doc!

Another bump.  I recently posted this on a state based sportsman forum, and hope it will be taken well here:

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I am not sure if anyone else does this, but  the end of the hunting season is one of my favorite times to buy hunting items.  Calls, scents, drags, clothes, etc are all on SALE!!

Yesterday my wife and I were at a Meijers in the Kzoo area and come across some insulated hunter orange jackets and pants that were 75% off... a heavy hunting coat or pants for $14.99.  My wife and I have been hunting for several years so its not a big deal, but our nephew is turning 12 this year and is totally pumped about it.

Last year when he passed his hunter safety class, I bought him a "hunting" hat and I'm not sure if he takes it off to shower!  My wife and I talked and what better way to support a new hunter, than buy him a set of hunting clothes?  He was using my wifes old clothes when he went with papa, but being a growing teen they were quickly getting small.  FWIW, I wish we were closer so I could take him out, but he is in the very good hands of my father in law.  I am overly excited about our up coming trip to the UP where they will be delivered.  I can not wait to see the pictures of him in them with his deer.

So if I may impart on those of you who know a new hunter who may not have "proper" gear to head out for the end of season sales and hook them up with some stuff.  It may mean the difference between them staying hunters or not.  Plus this time of year it will not hurt the checkbook near as bad as it will next fall.

Thanks for listening.

John

That is a great idea John. Nothing turns a new hunter into a truck sitter quicker than being cold/uncomfortable.

Dave, we have a decent size youth group at my church. you have any suggestions on how I would go about putting something together for them. we have a Awana program now, its for the younger kids up to about 12 yrs. I am interested in talking with my Pastor about this, but would want some advice before taking it to him. I think the kids would really enjoy it. thanks for advice and your time.
         blessings, Froggy

Great challenge Vermonster13.

I teach 4h archery so its a little unfair for me to take the challenge. We usualy have 40 or 50 kids in our club shooting archery. Half are new or used to compounds. We show them how fun simple archery is without the sights and gadgets. The kids have alot of fun.

I'll post some picks sometime.

And for anyone who is interested in 4H shooting sports check with your county 4H office.

First you need to find men and women in your church who hunt and have an interest in passing on the tradition. Set-up some guidelines on responsible behavior with the children and such. Then put the word out that you have adults willing to help children get Hunter Safety Certified and to teach them the ropes and share their hunting experience with them. Don't be afraid to start small and have it grow over time.

thanks for the advice. will pursue it. and let you know how it goe's across.
                     
           thank you.

A couple pics from last years all day shooting sports event. I had a bunch of arrow shafts there for the kids to fletch. I also had several selfbows in several stages to show. The kids got to shoot thier arrows and had a good time.  

Jason take one of the kids out hunting this year and you're in as far as I'm concerned. I help out at the state camp during the summer here getting the boys and girls bowhunter certified myself(I'm a VT STate Bowhunting Safety Instructor) we usually get around 150 kids certified, but I consider mentoring more of a one on one thing personally.

I agree one on one is so much better. I got to take a kid from church and my daughter out hunting this year. Both had realy close encounters with nice deer. It wasn't trad archey but it was a blast for me. I'm hoping my daughter can pull 40 lbs by hunting season. if not I'll be taking someone. Its to much fun to be out with the youngsters.  ...