New year, new you. That is always and forever the theme of January 1st. Regardless of who you are, where you are or what you do, you should lose weight, reorganize and commit, at least that’s what we are constantly told. So, why would hunting and shooting be any different?
I am proposing that for the new year, you create a new you as it pertains to shooting, hunting and fishing. This is an excellent chance to take a look back on previous years and set the pace for moving forward into 2019 and beyond. The outdoors holds so much opportunity for you, your friends and your family. There is something wonderfully cathartic about losing yourself in a steady cast of a fly rod or a walk through the field behind your best bird dog. Virginia is steeped deep in the traditions of hunting and fishing and it is only with the passing of the torch that these traditions will survive. I encourage each and every one of you, no, I challenge each and every one of you to take someone out and teach them these traditions. Find someone who shares an interest in the outdoors and teach them that there is so much more available to them. That person might be under your own roof or perhaps a coworker that always ask about your adventures. Volunteer with your local 4H chapter, hunter safety course or even offer to work with a veteran group like Fallen Outdoors or specialized group like Virginia Wheelin’ Sportsmen. Just a few hours of your time will forever change the life of another and help to insure the future of our treasured traditions.
You can also use this time to invest in yourself and your own abilities. Build on your current skill sets and expand them to include new skills. I am of the mindset that no one ever puts in enough practice. Take time in 2019 to truly get out to the range and practice be it with shotgun, bow or rifle. Trust me that this time will be very well spent!
In this new year, new you challenge I also challenge you to lose weight. Not in the waistband, even though every single one of us would love to but, in the wardrobe and gear department as it pertains to hunting and fishing. We all have a slew of gear that we have collected over the years and we very rarely get rid of any of it. I have a good friend that always says the right number of guns and fishing poles is just one more. The start of a new year is the perfect time to take inventory, make repairs and most importantly, make donations. Pass along some of that unused or under used gear to another hunter or angler that can put it to good use. There are also tons of outlets and forums on online in which to sell your items. This could easily generate funds for pieces that you actually would use or those funds could possibly even finance a trip.
Speaking of taking a trip, commit in 2019 to take that hunting or fishing trip that you have been planning and just can’t seem to commit to for whatever reason. Pull out the map and pick a spot. It can be just as simple as a day trip to discover a new fishing spot or as grand as an international hunting adventure like our New Zealand big game hunts. With all of the technology available to us in today’s world, it is easier than ever to custom craft a great outing based on your personal desire and budget. The most important thing is to just get outdoors. Is there a piece of land near you that you have always wanted to gain permission to hunt or fish? Commit to asking the owner and seeing if you can attain a lease or perhaps offer some sweat equity in trade. Outdoor Access offers a treasure trove of properties for hunting and fishing at a nominal fee all over Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and many other states, even in Colorado for diy elk!
Finally, make a commitment to conservation and join an organization that is dedicated to preserving hunting and fishing and the habitat in which those animals reside. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Ducks Unlimited, Ruffed Grouse Society, Delta Waterfowl, Quails Forever, and Trout Unlimited are just a few that are top quality organizations constantly committing time, money and resources to insure a better tomorrow for hunters and anglers. All of them offer opportunities for you to participate on the local and national levels as your time and ability allows. There are also numerous opportunities with scouts, 4H, veteran and church groups.
Remember to take time to encourage the future generation and share your knowledge. Time spent with friends and family afield is always time well spent. Enjoy the beginning of a new year and happy hunting!