What is the Sportsman Heritage?

The sportsman in me was nurtured and developed from the age of four. That was my first memory of dad spending time with me in the woods, at the river, or at camp.  I believe that all who live this way of life have an obligation to pass the sportsman heritage to their children if they are interested.

My father is a great man; he spent many years punching the time clock, always trying to figure out how to make that extra buck. His motivations were always pure he loved spending every second he could with his family. If he could spend that time with our family hunting, fishing, or running around new country, well that was even better.

My best memories from childhood include running around with dad whether we were fishing, hunting or just at elk camp hanging out.  Some of these memories are the same ones my children cherish to this day.  I made it a point to take them to some of the same places my dad and I visited when I was a child.

Heritage: Anything that has been transmitted from the past or handed down by tradition, a way of life!

The realization that our sportsman way of life was actually our sportsman heritage did not hit me until my children started hunting and fishing with me. Whether we were teaching them how to tie a hook on or watching them pull in the biggest bass of the trip. By empowering them to succeed in our outdoor adventures, we have taught them valuable lessons that will benefit them for a lifetime.

The principles of our sportsman heritage flow into our everyday lives. They empower our success, free us of fear, and help us overcome adversity.

Should we practice good Conservation?

For years many of my family considered conservation environmentalism. After serious reflection and discussions we have decided this is not necessarily the case.  As stewards of hunting, fishing, prospecting, camping, or whatever it is you like to do. We need to take care of everything we touch.

Many of the outdoor clubs have put conservation practices in place. For instance the Geocachers practice the Cache In Trash Out (CITO) motto which means they go find a geocache and leave with some trash. By following good conservation practices like cleaning up a campground, or picking the pop can out of the river we are keeping the resources that our children will want to use some day clean.

That is not environmentalism that is good common sense.

I know making a pledge to our youth is a little corny.  However I would rather be a little corny and have the resources to teach my grandchildren to hunt than not.

The Pledge to protect our sportsmen heritage for our youth!

• I pledge to protect the resources so my children and grandchildren can use them as an adult.
• I pledge to teach my children and grandchildren the ways of our family’s sportsman heritage..
• I pledge to be kind to help my children and grandchildren be self-confident and firm to teach you respect for others.
• I pledge to pass on the rich sportsman heritage that our family has passed down generation to generation, so that my children and grandchildren see the value of harvesting wild game for their table.
• I pledge not to harvest, more than our family can eat.
• I pledge to teach fair and ethical behavior in the field.
• I pledge to protect these rights that were inherited from my father so my children and my children’s children can enjoy them.
• I make this pledge not only to my own children and grandchildren, but to any child, grandchild, adult, or group that is interested in learning about being a sportsman.

Please take the pledge pass on the sportsman heritage, allow our youth to enjoy the same rights and heritage that we have. Mother Nature created the great outdoors for everyone.