Youngsters begin a rite of passage
Long before the advent of Thermolite, Scentlock, glove and boot warmers, and better designs of weather-resistant clothing, generations of us were interrupted from our dance with the sandman and bundled up in warm layers. Those layers kept us warm for about half an hour as we joined our parents or grandparents in one of Michigan’s longest traditions — hunting.
This weekend — actually Sept. 15 if you happen to be waterfowl hunters — marks the annual pilgrimage as scores of youngsters celebrate a rite of passage as they become legal hunters in the state of Michigan. Old Man Winter has begun to stir from his summer slumber and he yawns, his first chilly breaths have greeted us each morning, acknowledging the arrival of one of the most exciting times of year.
Typically, for the majority of us, anyway, we had to wait for the true beginning of the state’s hunting season in October. Today’s generation of young hunters gets to enjoy an earlier start to the season as part of the state’s annual youth deer hunt that began as part of Michigan’s attempts to encourage and grow the number of legally licensed hunters.
Young small-game hunters, waterfowl lovers and, of course, those who have experienced their first buck fever will venture out to the marshes, woods and fields in search of their favorite game and the experience of a lifetime that they will hopefully repeat and pass on to future generations.
The tables have been turned, and now we get to sit with anxious anticipation of spotting a nice doe or buck, hopefully passing the sighting on silently to our young charges as they carry their bows and firearms into the field, many for the first time. Pre-established hand signals or gentle taps on the shoulder will remind them where to look, when it’s ethical and safe to take a shot, and especially how to take a few moments to be respectful of the gifts of nature that will be bestowed upon many.
This is our next generation of conservationists and hunters, and learning all about hunting, wildlife, the great outdoors and spending quality time while hunting is hopefully a lesson they have learned well while keeping us company over the years. Now it’s their turn to experience the skipped heartbeat, shaky legs and jitters as many will have the opportunity to take their first-ever shot at a live animal. Many will miss, while an equal number will be lucky enough to help mom or dad fill the freezer with venison for winter.
While some still question the soundness of putting such young children, ages 10-16, in the field with hunting equipment, those of us who were taught from our relatives, are now safely passing along those lessons to our own kids, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. They are chaperoned, watched like hawks and reined in from taking bad shots as their excitement, or in many cases, boredom gets the best of them. By giving them a head start in a less-pressured setting, the belief is that they will continue to hunt, enjoy the outdoors and learn to appreciate our outdoor recreation opportunities.
This weekend isn’t just about the hunting, though. As part of National Hunting and Fishing Day, that also falls on Sept. 22, anglers are also invited, rather encouraged to take the time to take a child or first-time angler fishing.
If your child isn’t quite ready to legally hunt, this weekend would be the perfect time to put a fishing pole in their hand, or take them to an archery or gun range to continue to improve on their safe shooting form. Take them for a drive in the early morning or late evening so they can watch the wildlife as they move from bedding areas to feeding areas. Wild turkeys, deer of all ages and Canada goose will be going about their daily routines, offering up some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities of the season. We owe it to the kids to do for them what someone took the time to do for us; spend some quality time outside.
I will be passing along what I learned to several youngsters this weekend. May their experiences be just as magnificent, humbling and exhilarating as mine were, and continue to be. May their aim be true and their shooting straight.

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