So, I met this young man named Carter last spring when he came out for a merit badge and training day with his Scout troop. He was a natural! Never fired a shotgun before but was breaking clays at 75% or better. His dad was with him and we got to talking about Carter’s interest in shooting and hunting. I gave dad my card and told him to feel free to contact me if Carter wanted to come out again for some free wingshooting instruction.
A few weeks later I get a call from Carter’s mom. Turns out the shooting/hunting tradition is from her side of the family. Carter’s grandfather had recently passed away and that was who had been teaching Carter about hunting. Carter had gone deer hunting the year before and taken his first doe. His mom wanted to support his interest and asked to come out and learn about firearms for herself so that she could help him. His grandfather left his gun collection to Carter, so she knew that she
had a lot to learn before bringing the guns into her home.
Mom and Carter came out to the range with me a few times to learn about firearm basics, safety, cleaning/maintenance, etc. Mom was fearful but a really good sport and tried shooting everything.
Since then, I’ve taken Carter and mom out several times to shoot and hunt with me. We weren’t able to spot a buck for Carter, but you’ve never seen a kid enjoy the outdoor experience as much as this one does. He’s serious, safe, focused and passionate about it. This is the future of our sport right here.
Happy to report that Carter was able recently to take his first wild pheasant on my club’s private property! It flushed about thirty yards out and he put it down with my borrowed 20g over/under.
Special thanks to my buddy Andy for bringing out his dogs for Carter’s first successful bird hunt.
A few weeks later I get a call from Carter’s mom. Turns out the shooting/hunting tradition is from her side of the family. Carter’s grandfather had recently passed away and that was who had been teaching Carter about hunting. Carter had gone deer hunting the year before and taken his first doe. His mom wanted to support his interest and asked to come out and learn about firearms for herself so that she could help him. His grandfather left his gun collection to Carter, so she knew that she
had a lot to learn before bringing the guns into her home.Mom and Carter came out to the range with me a few times to learn about firearm basics, safety, cleaning/maintenance, etc. Mom was fearful but a really good sport and tried shooting everything.
Since then, I’ve taken Carter and mom out several times to shoot and hunt with me. We weren’t able to spot a buck for Carter, but you’ve never seen a kid enjoy the outdoor experience as much as this one does. He’s serious, safe, focused and passionate about it. This is the future of our sport right here.
Happy to report that Carter was able recently to take his first wild pheasant on my club’s private property! It flushed about thirty yards out and he put it down with my borrowed 20g over/under.
Special thanks to my buddy Andy for bringing out his dogs for Carter’s first successful bird hunt.
