It doesn't take a campaign to do it. Sometimes it happens by accident. One day I wanted to go fishing but was low on supplies. Dashed into Wally World to grab a pack of worms. There was a guy with his teenage son and daughter in there looking at fishin' stuff. The guy sees me and walked over to me. He said they were interested in starting fishing but didn't know anything about it, and could I help them. An hour later, they had a rod and reel each with some basic lures and tackle box, the dad had his fishing license and directions to one of my honey holes. I got three people started and all it cost was an hour of my fishin' time.

Last summer, I ran into the son, all grown up, with his little boy at the lake. So, as the years go by, I can't help but wonder how many people will become fishermen because of that one hour I spent with a man and his kids in the store.

That's just one instance. You'd be suprized at how many times similar situations have come up. The interest in hunting and fishing is out there. You've just got to be approachable and willing to talk to folks.

Arthur P, great story. As are the others that are popping up.

A few tips I posted in the political and off-season forums, just to share some ideas:

quote:

A few ideas:

You don't even need a gun. Call a turkey in and shoot it with a camera. Set up on some spring feeding areas and capture photos of deer while "hiding" with the younger person. Photos are instant permanent trophies that the kids will show around to family and friends. Movies are another fantastic option to share after a "hunt."

Kids love action...leave your rods at home (concentrate on instructing and letting them have a good time... bring a cane pole, a big ol' can of worms and a few bobbers. (Remember how much fun that was?) Keep them in the thick of a school of panfish. Bring a picnic.

Few kids get to watch the woods "wake up" after going into the woods before sunrise. Even a sunset near a stream or lake is something rare for younger people these days.

Build a fire and make an easy campfire meal.

If its outdoors and you share it everyone wins.

Please take a moment and post the stories as they happen. Let the kids read about their story on the board. Introduce them and we can all recognize them and salute them by name.

Also consider donating some of your old fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels, etc to the kids that you indoctrinate into the outdoors.

The feeling of owning that first fishing rod is something that I will never forget. It was mine. Somehow that made it very special. From that day on I was armed and dangerous.

Show them how to go out after dark and catch some nightcrawlers in their own backyard.

How about giving someone one of your old bows? Other gear?

Thank you to the mods for the kind words.

just got my roommate to sign up for hunter safety...hopefully doves in september and you know what happens the rest of the fall.

My son is now 12 and we have fished together since he was 4. This past season was my first as a deer hunter. But the most memerable first was that I got to take my son hunting with me as a hunter himself. As the years roll by, I know we shall share a great treasure together. I can't wait for him to get his first deer. It means more to me than getting my own.

Powerfull and inspirational post VC.

I'm in Brother.

I've gotten my children involved with the outdoors and will soon take my son's friend into the woods with us. I can't tell you how many times it's cost me a shot; but, is it worth it - yes. More than you could ever imagine.

I also teach a lot of kids in the shop and sponser kids in many ways.

I just never thought about putting up a request. GOOD idea.

My 4 year old niece asked Santa for a gun this year so she could hunt with her uncle Ate-Up and her Daddy. Guess we will have to break in the bow i bought her. Sister is already throwing a fit.

I am in. I too have two boys, one is three and the other is eight weeks. I have introduced my 3yr old to hunting and fishing and he loves it, wants to watch hunting videos all the time to see the big bucks and see the hunters get them. Have taken him fishing and didn't hear the end of it from him for a while. Absolutely loved it, can't wait till he can throw on the waders with me and hit the trout streams.

So there are two from me and a few nieces and nephews to add to the pot. Hunting and fishing is in our families blood and I married into a hunting and fishing family. I feel very LUCKY!!!!

Excellent post, keep that spirit alive and we will live in a better place!!!!

Hunting is harder to turn someone on to but fishing is very easy. When I go to the beach I'm an avid surf fisherman. I always have the extra smaller rods for the youngsters on the beach. You always get the little one coming around asking what you catch and wanting to see some fish. I find it easier to rig one up and cast it for them and then put it in there hands. For a lot it's the first fishing they have ever done. I can't wait until june. I have two weeks straight at the beach