We recently finished judging essays for our annual Youth Hunter Essay Contest (see the September -- Big Game Special 2009 issue for complete results). I always like reading the essays, because the young writers dispense a lot of wisdom that all bowhunters, including many of us older ones, would do well to absorb.

This year's YHEC question was: "What Values Have You Learned From Bowhunting?" Here are the most common values listed and some examples of how they apply to bowhunting -- and life.

• Patience. This was by far the most common value cited. One good example comes from James Kerr, Swartz, Louisiana, 15: "I have gained much patience through bowhunting. I used to be the kind of person that wanted everything to happen on my time schedule. Through bowhunting, I have come to realize that almost nothing happens on my time schedule…" How many of the rest of us can say the same thing?





 
 
• Perseverance. Kyle Johnson, Bridgton, New Jersey, 17, wrote: "Bowhunting has also taught me to persevere. It took me five years to arrow my first deer. During that time, it would have been easy to sleep in late or give up altogether. Finally reaching a goal through dedication and perseverance makes it all the more satisfying." After persevering during those first five years, Kyle killed two bucks, a 9-pointer and 8-pointer, this past season. Indeed, perseverance pays big!

  And not just in the field. Matthew O'Neill, Pennsylvania, 13, wrote: "Perseverance is a lot like patience, because I didn't have it before I ever went bowhunting… Perseverance has now led me to straight A's." Hey, parents, when your kids want to go bowhunting, remember this.



• Humility. We all know about this one, and Eli Matzkiw, Belfast, Tennessee, 14, articulates the message clearly: "Like it or not, humility comes to every bowhunter. Walking home from your disappointing hunt, you know that your brother will be there to tease you. You'll just have to sit there and take it because, just last week, you gave your brother a hard time about the 10-point that he missed.


• Respect. Many young writers told how bowhunting has taught them respect for all wildlife, landowners, laws, and other hunters. Matthew Hettinga, Utica, Ohio, 15, wrote: "…the woods is a place where I have individual freedom to exercise respect…. I have experienced having my hunt ruined by careless hunters, and would never want to inflict this frustration on others." Amen, Matthew, amen.


• Spiritual insight. Julia Bower, Cumberland, Maryland, 14, wrote: "Most importantly, though, each adventure in the woods deepens my appreciation for God and his creation.

  Enjoying the changing splendor of autumn in contrast with the stark white winter, I know God as the source of all beauty. From a treestand, I see God as the source of all life, every need, and peace."





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