Passing the traditional bug to the next generation...

[nineworlds9]

I was honored to have the opportunity today to introduce my two visiting nieces, one 9 years old and the other 13 years old,  to traditional archery.  They are visiting from Texas and had heard all about how their Uncle Chuck was a certifiable archery and bowhunting nut LOL.  Their natural curiosity and my desire to promote the sport meant we all ended up having a ball in the backyard and with very little coaching I had them both hitting the bag target consistently at 5-10 yards.  They are both naturals!  They both asked me almost endless questions about bows and hunting and I filled them in.  We talked a lot about treating animals and nature with reverence and the honor in living off the land, as well as how much hunters contribute toward conserving wildlife.  They loved the shooting and were fascinated by all I had to tell.  The younger of the two actually asked if next time we could practice shooting from behind branches and sneaking up on the bag target!!  They also had me shoot my Elkheart from 20 and 30 yards and were positively blown away watching me nail the bullseye from what they felt was a hundred miles away.  LOL!!  The 9 year old actually asked me, I kid you not, "Uncle Chuck are you a beginner, and adept, or a master?"  LOL!!!  I laughed and roared belly laughing "where in the HECK did you get that terminology girl!!?!?"  She cutely replied "oh this cool fantasy videogame I like."  I replied "Well, a master, no way not me, prolly somewhere north of beginner."  I drilled the target with 3 more arrows and they shook their heads and grinned.

My daughter isn't old enough to shoot yet, but practicing my teaching skills with the older girls was priceless and felt so rewarding.  

Here's the next generation, both naturals!...

   

[nineworlds9]

This was the first time the 9 year old ever picked up a bow period, and the first traditional bow for the 13 year old.  She had only shot a kids Genesis wheelie bow maybe once or twice before that.  Their knack for it left me with silly grins and so proud.  After the fun we had today I think they may be looking into joining some local youth leagues back in Texas in the future, I just know it.

[fnshtr]

Congrats! I have found that all you have to do is get a bow in their hands... haven't found a youngster yet that doesn't love it. I have 4 grandchildren, 3 girls and one boy... ages 11-16 and they all love to shoot with me.

We can do nothing better for the sport than to introduce the youth.

[wooddamon1]

Way to go, sir!      

[Scott E]

Great form! Good job coach. My niece is four and has shown interest in hunting and archery. Can't wait to being her on a squirrel hunt this year.

[Fattony77]

That's awesome, Chuck!  

[Big Ed]

Very cool!!

[Knawbone]

That's what we like to see, well done, and congrats on spreading the bug. I'll be doing the same next weekend at our Youth Fest held by my local sporting club. Thanks for posting your fun.          

[T-Bowhunter]

[jcar315]

Well done Sir!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Awesome. Good form!

[monkeyball]

Good job Chuck, that is our future for sure. With crossbows being legalized almost everywhere now it is really up to us (traditional shooters) to keep the candle burning. Good for you!


                                                       Good Shooting,
                                                                        Craig

[nineworlds9]

Thanks for all the kind words guys.  The girls wanted to shoot again for a second session late this afternoon but we got rained out.  Won't have another chance until their next visit or if I visit Texas this fall and bring some bows.  Either way they loved it and I think I got em hooked or at least well on their way.  Mom, my sis-law is on board and that's a good thing.  We all had a great time and it was a chance for all of us to bond and grow as a family.  I think I'll make a hunter out of the 9 year old yet         13 year old not so sure, she digs the bows but not real keen on the harvesting animals part yet, but as she learns more about ethics and conservation that may change.