Thomas Starnes (on left), long-time friend through school and church, expressed his interest to hunt during early spring 2007. Between graduating from college and finding a job, he completed his hunter’s safety course during the summer time. After shooting a few rifles at my place before NC firearms season, he settled on my bolt-action .30-06. First time out, we saw a piebald spike, yearling 6 point, and this guy. He made an awesome shot on the 2.5 year old 7 pointer. First deer at 22 years old. Boy was he stoked! But sitting in the treestand with him and videoing the whole experience, I was at least as excited as he was. I have no doubt he is hooked for life!
Although hunting season is still 6-8 months away, now is the time to consider introducing a friend to hunting. Don’t be someone with good intentions but overlooks the fact that most new hunters must take a hunter’s safety course. Don’t show up in your local sporting goods store to help a first-time hunter purchase his hunting license only to find out his qualifications are lacking. Talk to friends now who have expressed an interest in hunting and help them take the proper steps to complete a hunter’s safety course.
Do your part in preserving the future of hunting and fishing in our country and introduce a friend to the great outdoors. If that includes a hunting season this fall, be sure to prepare now. Here is a great link through the National Rifle Assocation’s website to each state’s hunter safety course information.
