RE: How did all this get started anyhow?
I too got an early start thanks to my dad. From scouting walks in the woods, to summer time hikes along trout streams just looking for wildlife. I never missed a trip to ride around and look for deer.
It's funny though how my brother and I, despite having the same upbringing, are totally different when it comes to the outdoors. I live for it, he could pretty much care less.