Sep 2, 2018 4 min read

I was sitting at the 100 yard bench rest range when out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ted approaching with determination in his step. I just knew I had committed some breach of conduct or it was something I wrote that ruffled his feathers.

Now before we go any farther, understand one thing: Ted Hildebrand is a friend and while we might disagree, which we often do, we always part as friends. So I was thinking, “Surprise, surprise. I had written something that Ted disagreed with.”

Ted is one of the all-round shooters at the club but if he has a real strength, it is as a fly fisherman. Nothing suits him better than to wade the waters of Spruce Creek or the Yellow Breeches floating a dry fly downstream. Not only does he love to fly fish but he also loves the solitude that can come with it.

Personally, I prefer to catch fish over waving a long stick in the air or, as Mario called it, slapping the water. But what was bothering Ted that day wasn’t even related to fishing and, for a change, he approved of my weekly article in the Sunday Observer-Reporter about fishing with youngsters. His feelings, and he is willing to express them, is that we don’t do enough to encourage the young hunter or angler.

When I think about it, I can’t help but agree. Sometimes we are so engrossed in our own fishing or hunting, we don’t realize that there is a youngster sitting in front of the TV or the computer and just maybe he is waiting for dad to ask him or her to go with them. The father might think the youngster is not interested and the youngster might feel left out and just won’t ask.

We, who are over 45, complain that today’s youngsters are not interested in hunting and such. Want to bet? My opinion is you ask them and you might be surprised at the answer. I think dad and mom don’t have a lot of time and when they get that chance to go hunting or fishing, they just don’t ask the kids.

You might have read what happened when we asked our grandkids. That was their favorite thing they did this summer while visiting and they did a lot of fun activities.

But wait, surely you are not suggesting I take my daughter out on the first day of buck hunting? No, I am suggesting you ask your daughter to accompany you on whatever day she can go. Even a compromise and taking her in the middle of the week is better than to not include her or the son on any day. Perhaps we think too much about that trophy buck and should be thinking about our children and the continuation of hunting in the family. It’s the same with all outdoor activities.

• Remember when the poorest club in Washington County spent what little they had on a fishing derby for youngsters and held it at Ross’ bottom? When that club folded, some other club should have taken over but none appeared to do that. This great affair drew more than 50 kids. I can only look back with regret and commend the leadership of Gun Town Club. They did more for the community than any other club I can think of.
• I was hunting with Mike Webber of Scenery Hill one day when he said he had to leave at two that afternoon. The reason? He was going to the local high school and pick up a couple of youngsters and place them in tree stands so he could push the woods hoping one of the boys would get a shot. This I learned he does on a regular basis.

He has set up egg shoots for youngsters and heads many shoots for young people at his local club Ellsworth. That my friend is mentoring and Ellsworth Club seems to do a good job of it. As a game commission official once said to me Mike is the game commissions’ best friend. Why not pass on some of your knowledge and pleasure you have received from hunting and fishing?

• Don’t forget Park Days at Ryerson State Park is Sept. 8, a Saturday, and it starts at 9. I’ll be there if you need a buck measured. Bring it down to Ryerson Park. It’s a wonderful place and a great quiet atmosphere.