Whether it is a relative, friend or neighbor, sharing time together appreciating nature and discovering the excitement of the great outdoors benefits all participants. Both young hunters in our family have had the opportunity to take advantage of this program with great success.

Previous articles have mentioned the apprentice hunting license, developed through a nationwide effort called "Families Afield," and available at a cost of $10. He's been practicing with his crossbow since the end of his football season. Last year, during youth season, our nine year old hunter harvested a small buck. School was dismissed 2 hours elmo on for teacher in service, so he and his dad took advantage of. This past week, during bow season, it was his younger brother's turn to use his apprentice license and his first deer tag. This license may be obtained by both youth and adults and residents and non residents of the state in which they are applying. I've written articles in the past about ways to introduce members of the younger generation to the sport of hunting. Each time we have his favorite vegetable soup or spaghetti sauce made with his venison, he recalls the hunt he shared with his dad.

This year, our seven year old got to experience this first hand.