Being Ross's mentor has been the best thing I have ever done as a hunter. Following is the essay he wrote to win the contest. If you read it you will certainly see why I am so proud of him.
“What Does it Mean to Be a Bowhunter?”
Being a bowhunter means you hunt with a bow, but it is much more than that. Being a bowhunter means being part of a tradition from past generations that will continue for many more. Being a bowhunter brings you great responsibility for yourself, your prey, and the natural beauty that surrounds you. Being a bowhunter comes with indefinable rewards.
Tradition is one of the most sacred parts of bowhunting. This tradition connects bowhunters with people and places beyond themselves and allows them to touch history. It is passed on by sportsmen not afraid to stand behind their beloved sport to keep their right to hunt.
Each and every moment bowhunters set foot afield, they take on immense responsibility. Bowhunters escape to nature and become predators by listening, observing, and learning. They feel a drive to become meticulous, patient, and dedicated to harvest the animals they seek. Keeping safe, caring for wildlife, and holding the self-respect to follow all hunting regulations are bowhunters responsibilities. When trusted with these responsibilities, bowhunters are able to see the peace and excitement that nature holds. Bowhunters step into the woods with the emphasis on hunting, not killing.
Although being a bowhunter comes with great responsibility, it brings priceless rewards. The decision to bowhunt places restrictions on hunters that increase the difficulty of hunting. This brings more respect and pride whenever bowhunters are fortunate enough to score. Every bowhunter experiences the intense feeling that the closeness of the animal will cause them to actually hear the pounding of their hearts. These rewards bring bowhunters together.
The skills and instincts used while bowhunting provide an experience that cannot be rivaled. Bowhunters are able to capture these experiences and pass them onto youth in the ongoing bowhunting tradition. The sights, sounds, and emotions are never to be forgotten.
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