Last year's winner Ross Dary with Uncle Joe Lasch.

The Bowhunter staff really takes pride in our annual Youth Hunter Essay Contest (YHEC). First conceived by Technical Editor Dave Holt, the YHEC has touched the lives of hundreds of enthusiastic young bowhunters over the past 10 years. Joined by able outfitters like Parkland Muskwa in Saskatchewan and our big-hearted archery industry partners, we've been able to recognize and reward these great kids for sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences about various topics of vital interest to all of us.

The editorial staff just wrapped up judging and selection of winners for the '06 contest, and once again we're thrilled and humbled by the experience. We're thrilled that so many young people honored us with their thoughts; humbled because while we're limited in what we can do for them, their boundless spirits never fail to provide us with limitless inspiration. Clearly, given the pace of life in today's challenging world, it means something when a young person takes the time to speak out. Maybe we should listen more to what they're saying.

While you'll have the chance to read Grand Prize Winner Nate Corley's essay on the makeup of an ethical bowhunter in the upcoming Big Game Special, following are some slightly edited gems pulled from many of the other outstanding essays (alphabetical by author):

"An ethical bowhunter is a person who always has respect for other hunters and all of nature." Chase Alexander, age 13

"Checking all equipment thoroughly and knowing the limits of your own bow should be required practices for every ethical bowhunter." Jacob Alexander, age 17

"Ethical bowhunters join their local hunting organizations so they can work with other hunters to improve the availability of hunting lands and work together to encourage legislators to pass laws that will improve our sport." John Barnard, age 17

"An ethical bowhunter must be a good influence to others by putting his best foot forward at all times." Dusty Birge, age 17

"During the season you should do plenty of checkups on your bow. Make sure the string is waxed and that your sights and rest haven't been bumped." Zach Bruce, age 17

"An ethical bowhunter would trim the brush from their shooting lanes because even a twig can deflect an arrow." Travis Cain, age 14

"An ethical bowhunter will always go out of his way to protect what God has created for us and ensure habitat is suitable for wildlife." Tyler Christopher, age 17

"Ethical hunting is ensuring that there is no danger that could result from a person's actions." Jessica Clemente, age 15

"An ethical bowhunter is supportive of youth bowhunting because he knows young archers are the future." Jack Craven, age 17

"An ethical bowhunter is someone who is respectful and who creates for himself a foundation of unwritten laws that positively guide his actions in every situation." Charles Davidson, age 17

"Ultimately, being an ethical bowhunter is a personal choice. Choose correctly - be an ethical, honest, and responsible bowhunter." Logan Dorminey, age 17

"To make quick and safe decisions, you have to be ready mentally and physically for any kind of situation. Doesn't matter; you've got to be prepared." John Ellinger, age 14

"We're always hearing about poachers and those who don't follow the laws. This only leads those who don't hunt to think badly of us. It is important to our sport to make those same people think good things about us." Brad Farthing, age 13

"If an ethical hunter ate a candy bar he would hold onto the wrapper instead of throwing it on the ground." Matthew Forba, age 14