Thanksgiving a time for family hunting
By Hookemharry

Posted: November 22, 2008

Today is Thanksgiving and aside from being a great day to eat a bunch of roast turkey, it kicks off a number of events for folks around Montana.

It marks the start of what has traditionally been a weekend for families to get together for final big game hunts together. General rifle season for deer and elk ends at one-half hour after sunset this Sunday November 30.

This weekend is a great time for generations to hunt together, whether it’s for that last chance at deer or elk or to chase upland birds or waterfowl. That includes the youngsters. There is nothing more important to keeping the sport alive.

John Peterson, from Missoula’s H and H Meats, lists the young successful hunters by name every Friday morning during Hunters Breakfast from Ruby’s Café on KGVO. It’s great evidence that people are passing their traditions along.

My e-mail has also chronicled the tales of youngsters’ successes.

Champ Edmonds hunts with his kids Dylan and Sarah every year. This year, Dylan who is in high school and Sarah who attends middle school have been successful. Dylan shot bagged an elk and Sarah, “ shot two antelope and one deer with three shots.” Her proud dad added, “She is the best shot in the Edmunds household”.

Ray Round, of Missoula noted his young son Kellen is quite the good luck charm. “Kellen is 9 years old and the last two years I have taken him elk hunting and both years I have shot a real nice bull elk,” explained Round.

Hunting with a parent is priceless for a kid. You may view pictures of all their successful hunts on www.montanaoutdoor.com I will guarantee you that what your child experiences during the trip will be remembered by them for the rest of their life.

Here is a big Thanks on this Thanksgiving to all of you who have taken the time this past hunting season to introduce hunting to one of your children.

It’s also never too early to teach your children about wildlife conservation. You can introduce them to to the fun of going to a Ducks Unlimited Banquet on Saturday, Dec. 6, in Missoula at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Tickets are $55 for a single, $85 for a couple and only $25 for youth. Your ticket includes a Ducks Unlimited membership, dinner and the opportunity to participate in the auction and numerous drawings. You also can get in the Early Bird drawing if you buy by tomorrow Friday November 28. Call Ryle Benke 546-1587 or Terry Porter at 370-4524.

Other wildlife group banquets will follow throughout the winter. Just pick the organization of your choice and go. And, take the kids along.

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