Big Brothers Big Sisters

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Quail 101

By Tyler Davis, BBBS Intern

As a volunteer, I had the unique experience of seeing the impact someone can have on a young person. Everyone should get the opportunity to hunt and enjoy what God has created, but for many, this is not always possible. Pass It On introduces the outdoors to kids in a unique and meaningful way. This experience was eye opening for me as a volunteer. I looked past my problems and concerns for a day, and had the opportunity to see a child hunt for the first time. It was a humbling experience, to say the least.

Many of us have grown up hunting or have made it a major activity in our lives. We sometimes forget about the subtle joys that come with the opportunity to be outdoors surrounded by nature. To see these kids experience the joy of hunting for the first time reminded me of the excitement and anticipation that was bubbling inside of me the first time I sat in a blind or walked a field.

The men of Sub T-16 Social Club, of which I am apart of, stepped up big time in a mentoring partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Big Country Bird Hunters club near Hawley, Texas. We were matched with children on the waiting list for a Big Brother or Sister, and were given the opportunity to be Bigs for a Day at a quail hunt.

The event featured Rodney Sturdivamp, hunter education instructor, who gave his time and expertise on gun safety. Rodney emphasized the importance of proper gun handling in the field and gave a detailed description on the operating functions of several different shotguns. He also showed the Little Brothers and Sisters proper shooting technique at the skeet range. Highlighting Rodney’s involvement was a remarkable teaching session on the habitat of quail, its predators, and nesting areas. We competed along with the Little Brothers and Sisters in a game called "Run for Your Life" in which all learned about predation and the effect that land management has on bird population.

Chip Martin, Texas Regional Director for Quail Unlimited and BBBS Pass It On Coordinator, offered his expert advice on bird dogs. His passion for dogs was seen through the love and respect he has for his dogs, Huck and Stoney. Chip spoke extensively on the different breeds of bird dogs and the important attributes of each. He also spent some time teaching about wildlife management and the important role that people play in keeping the habitat of animals clean and abundant.

Dr. Bud Ramsey was also an indispensable part of our experience. He relayed his vast knowledge of quail hunting and taught both the volunteers and Little Brothers and Sisters how to identify a quail’s age.

The Texas Brigadiers had several representatives present and gave an informative lecture on bird habitat and coordinated the "Run For Your Life" game. They invited the Little Brothers and Sisters to attend the Bob White Brigade camp and several other camps in which campers learn all about hunting and safety.

Max Paddock was the event cook and whipped up some delicious burgers for the hungry participants. As you can see, this was an educational and fun day for all who attended.

BBBS thanks Big Country Bird Hunters for sharing their time and expertise in the hope of giving kids the opportunity to hunt and enjoy the great outdoors. BCBH generously donated a vast amount of quail that were used in the actual quail hunt. Without their help none of this would have been possible. We would also like to thank Pass It On and its coordinator Chip Martin for supplying the shells and clays that were used.

I hope the lives of the Little Brothers and Sisters were changed forever from this experience. I know for a fact that my life was transformed in a way that will allow me to have a soft spot in my heart for introducing kids to the outdoors.