Back-To-Back First Hunts for Cody

Kristin is your typical mom of 3 who works hard provide food, water, shelter, and a loving home for her kids like many other parents do. However, Kristin strives to go above and beyond to get her children plugged into extra curricular events- especially ones in the outdoors. Cody took a hunter education class this past August where he quickly became eager to get out and hunt. With the help of the Ringneck Rustlers Pheasant’s Forever Chapter and FTAC LLC, we were able to host a first hunt for those interested in going on their first pheasant hunt. It was not surprise that Cody’s name was first on the list.

Cody is 17 years old loves the outdoors. Kristin says “I am working to make it a priority to find events he can safely participate in. I greatly appreciate the positive adult role models he has interacted with.” Kristin knows that he son is passionate about the outdoors and will find ways to get himself involved, but she loved being able to plug into this educational permit hunt as a learning experience for Cody. One mentor that Cody worked with while on his first hunt was Ringneck Rustler PF member, Daniel Clement. Daniel expressed that “working with Cody was great. He asked questions, and had excellent practice of the safety in the field.” Daniel continued on to say that his favorite part of the hunt with Cody was “in one confident motion of the shotgun I could see Cody put it all together and the smile after harvesting hi first bird is a moment that will last a lifetime”

Like every first hunt we host, the day starts off with some clay target shooting where Cody demonstrated excellent shooting skills. Cody has perfected these shooting skills by shooting on his high school shooting sports team where he has a lot of fun with his teammates and is encouraged by his coach. Cody said that “The day was much more than I expected. I didn't realize I would get to learn to field dress a pheasant. I was surprised I was able to take my birds home. I grilled one that night basted in barbecue sauce.”

Little did Cody know that his first pheasant hunt was going to turn into an opportunity to go on his first deer hunt a couple of weeks later. We were able to plug Cody into a pre-rut anterless deer hunt with the Kansas Forest Service. Every year, the Kansas Forest Service accepts applications for a youth deer hunt and area manager Dennis Carlson hosts the deer hunt. Cody at a loss for words in his luck said that “Dennis was awesome. Keith helped me with shot placement. There was a dad there who helped field dress the deer for everybody. I am excited to get the venison. I have a food dehydrator. I plan to make some jerky. I would love to do this again.”

Youth like Cody are the future of hunting and fishing in Kansas. The million dollar question that many of us ask is how can we as experienced hunters get more kids engaged? Daniel says it’s simple. “If you have a passion for the outdoors the best thing you can do is share it with others. If you remember your first hunt, what better gift to give than helping someone experience their adventure.” There are many champions in our community who go above and beyond to mentor youth. Daniel was able to experience Cody’s first hunt that reminded him of his own first hunt. “I thankfully had someone who took initiative to invite me out on my first quail hunt ween I was about 19. I was a poor college kid, with no gear, no shotgun, and literally no idea what upland hunting was all about. I had someone who fostered my interest in the outdoors.” That was a turning moment for Daniel that inspired him to give back to other youth in his community. “For me, Mentoring is a bout that first hunt that got me hooked, and sharing all the cool stuffy the outdoors has to offer. I think about the privilege I had to have someone show me the basics, and I want to make that same opportunity available to others.” We all have the opportunity to step up and mentor youth like Cody.

* For privacy, youth and parent names have been changed.