This is a good place to learn a lot of good stuff about hunting. I started out around 8 with a 410 and a BB gun when dad wasn't around. Spending a pile of time in the woods and like many others learning from the mistakes. Dad didn't hunt much but would take me and I always enjoyed when he would go. He put me out on my own at 10 or so, mom didn't like it but I took advantage of it. Reading and trying new things each time I went out. Computers are a wealth of information back then we got a monthly subscription ( Field and Stream ) and I think I used to read every page twice. Later on guys like Noel Feathers and Ben Lee started doing VHS hunting vids now those were the days. Time in the woods there is nothing like it.
Dad started me with basics then a great mentor Carl after that I kept the knowledge given and put it all to practice.Used a good share of my life learning the woods and animals!
What I learned all has been in the past year. Participating in this forum and others combined with research / books and some great people I have met along the way is where all my knowledge so far has come from. One thing is for sure, every time I go out, I learn something more.
I grew up in Pinellas PArk when it was still a little rural. BB guns and pellet guns got me by till my dad knew he had to start taking me again. I don't know how many kids baited there back yards up for dove and squirrel and waited patiently after the got home from school,but I did.I had family in South Carolina that dog hunted and they took my dad way back in the late 60's,I always had memories of the dog pens and dogs running deer. Hunting was just something instilled in my blood that there was no stopping.
After still hunting only till I was about 19,I started bow hunting with some guys who's dad ran hounds and I slowly became a member of their crew,now at almost 46 I have 3 boys that are nuts about hunting and have already had success in the woods. Them wanting BB guns and 4-10's to whack all the squirrels and doves in the yard really makes me proud of them.Hopefully the tradition will stay alive with their kids one day.
