It’s never been more important than now to instill a love for the outdoors to our youth. The outdoors, quite possibly, may be the only consistent source of solace left.
Seasons in the woods come and go: From currently looking for sheds, to chasing upcoming gobbling toms, to swiping at smallmouths from a creek bank. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the need to introduce the outdoor lifestyle to our children. In nature, there’s something for everyone, but only if the opportunity is presented. It’s easy to make the argument that the outdoors is free to enjoy, but quite often, our youth aren’t aware of that, especially when they’re common day-to-day habits have a price tag attached.
It’s simple: without the current outdoorsmen and women taking an interest in getting youth involved, this way of life is in danger of extinction. Any and all efforts to pass along the joy and simplicity of hunting and fishing, or any outdoor activity for that matter, is much in need.
Enter Appalachian Strutters, a local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
The chapter took on a life of its own when members were able to host the Kentucky State Calling Contest, as well as the “Hunting the 606” Expo, at Appalachian Wireless Arena in August. Having been in attendance and being blessed to participate in the day’s festivities, I can honestly say the day was great. However, one contest, or one contestant on the other hand, stole the show in my book.
Among the weathered and seasoned callers stood a 12-year old boy, Hudson McGarity. Hudson’s family had driven him all the way from Georgia, for him to compete in numerous divisions during the contest. One such contest was the senior friction division, in which Hudson took home first place, defeating individuals who had been calling for years.
I had the privilege of catching up with Hudson recently, who just traveled to Nashille for NWTF’s Grand Nationals competition. He placed second in the juniors division, as well as third in the owl hooting division. I’d say the boy has a bright future in calling, and more importantly, an inspirational attitude to go with it.
It is my hope that one upcoming event, Appalachian Strutters’ JAKES Day, may cause an Eastern Kentucky youngster to travel the same path. JAKES Day, which is set to take place on March 15 at the Floyd County Fish and Game Club, is all about getting the children of our area in touch with the outdoors, through the power of the wild turkey.
“Our reasoning for starting the chapter was to get a JAKES Day, because if we don’t get our youth outdoors, this lifestyle will die with us,” said chapter vice-president Bub Tackett.
“The youth of our area are getting lost when it comes to the outdoors,” added chapter president Chris Stumbo. “Growing up, we either hit the woods or the creek bank, there wasn’t anything else to do. Anything we can do to give back to the community and our kids, we need to do it. I believe they will do something if it’s there to do.”
Stumbo said the money from the “Hunting the 606” Expo was set aside to go toward the event.
“We’ll be giving away turkey calls, a .410 shotgun, some vests and more,” he said. “Every child that comes will leave with something.”
Tackett added that there’s a fish pond behind the club, and that a hunter’s safety course will be available at the club prior to JAKES day kicking off. To apply for the class, visit, fw.ky.gov.
Both Stumbo and Tackett added that if one child comes to the event and is “bitten by the bug,” then the event would be considered a success.
The hunter’s education course is set to begin at 9 am, with JAKES DAY beginning at 2 pm.
Having watched school setting archery progress in popularity through the years, I’m ecstatic to see more progress being made in regards to introducing our youth to the outdoor lifestyle. Sure, kids can’t want what they’ve never had, but they also can’t love what they’re never offered. The thought of living this life without the comfort the timber and creek bank provide me saddens me, even more so than the current status of our so-called “civilization.” If you truly want our children to enjoy the pure things of this life, start by promoting the outdoor lifestyle. I’m not telling you to give them the boot, tell them to rub two sticks together and make it work. However, what I am saying is this: let them know the outdoor lifestyle, and the purity that only it can provide, is available to them. Additionally, not only is it lacking a price tag, but it may provide them with qualities to make this world a better place. Heck, if we’re not going to move to the timber, we might as well instill some timber-like qualities to our civilized lives. What’s it going to hurt?
There’s plenty of adventures to be had and stories to be told so until next time, stay tuned, and as much as possible, stay in the timber.