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Jessie Grovanz realized her outdoors heritage at an early age (below, left) and now passes her love for the outdoors to her children. |
My hunting heritage
"You're going. It's part of your heritage."
Those words were directed at me, a bullheaded girl who didn't want to leave technology to spend quality time outdoors. Looking back, I sure am glad I listened.
I was raised in Cameron County, Pa., where trees outnumber people, hunting and fishing are mainstays, and during any season, our population swells with "flatlanders" migrating to our county. Traditions run strong here.
When I was younger, I appreciated the wilderness, but didn't take proper advantage of it. Luckily, I was born into a family that helped forge that appreciation. They knew the importance of an outdoor heritage and they were eager to pass the lessons on to me.
My father was blessed with a wonderful wife and two daughters. He never had any intention of dressing me in stereotypical pink; I was destined to be his camouflage baby.
From birth, my upbringing was that of a typical hunter's kid — learning about trees and wildflowers, enjoying the glory and bounty of nature, while fishing, hiking, biking, scouting and eventually hunting. A love of the outdoors took root and blossomed into a lifelong love affair.
I remember listening to a tape my parents made of my early babble. At 18 months, when asked, "What are you going to hunt when you grow up?" I would answer bear, turkey, buck, squirrels, etc.
Spring turkey season was always my favorite. It's an incomparable thrill to hear a gobbler cutting loose, the anticipation of seeing him, getting the gun in position and getting a shot off. It makes my heartbeat speed up.
I always had two skilled turkey hunters with me, Dad and Grandpa Bob. We had many fantastic hunts together, including two that ended with beautiful gobblers for me, taken from my lucky spot. But being out in nature with three generations was what really counted to me. On mornings when we came home empty-handed, no one felt like we had lost the hunting game.
My adventures and memories play a role in my heritage. The time has come for me to pass it on to a new generation. My husband and I join my parents and others in nurturing a love of the outdoors in our children.
Something magical happens when you watch a rutting bull elk and hear his bugle, or when you trudge through knee-deep snow to cut down a Christmas tree. Watch a robin feed her young. Work in the garden. Hear a barred owl in a quiet hollow. All these things are experiences I enjoyed growing up and now have the joy of sharing with my family.
As the years pass, it has become clear to me that experiencing and enjoying nature is only half the equation; passing it on is just as important. If you aren't involved in the outdoors, find a mentor to help teach you nature's lessons. If you've already found your place in the outdoors, take time to plant the seed of your knowledge into others. This outdoor heritage belongs to all of us. — Jessie Grovanz
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