The Outdoor Gift

Written By: Fran Cross

Growing up, I never thought much about hunting. My dad hunted and so did my brothers. My mom shot birds and gophers, even trapped as well. 

I always thought it was my dad who showed my brothers how to trap and skin, but it was my mom. I love the fact that I came from an outdoor family.  Even for me, until I met my husband I wasn’t that interested in the aspect of hunting and fishing. He was the one that inspired me to reach my full potential and enjoyment of the outdoors as a professional hunting and fishing guide. 

 My hubby started hunting and trapping at the age of 12 as an apprentice for a local professional trapper. Even though his uncles were all into hunting and trapping.  

 What I learnt about fishing and hunting, I learnt from my husband. He is my mentor for the outdoors. Mentoring is when a more experienced outdoor person shows a person who is interested in learning about the outdoors. Whether it’s camping, hunting or fishing. The mentor has to pass on their skills about whatever outdoor activity the person wants to gain skills and knowledge in. I’m lucky enough to have my hubby show me how to achieve my goals and skills as a hunter.  

Last year, I was happy to have my chance to take a woman hunter out to share my knowledge as a hunter with her. She never been bear hunting before and wanted to learn. It was a learning experience to both of us. We put the time and effort in. She was able to harvest her first bear. It was more rewarding to me than getting my own bear. What’s more important is that she wants to go again. The hunting adventure formed a friendship and gave us memories that would last a lifetime.