I have written about the Hunting and Angling Heritage Work Group (HAHWG) before here. The HAHWG is a collaboration between the Arizona Game and Fish Department and many different sportsman’s groups throughout the state. As the title states, the HAHWG is focused on sharing the heritage of hunting and fishing with the next generation.
Joe Darago is an avid hunter who started a local youth archery club in Peoria, AZ. Shoot for Life passes on the love of archery to students and adults using a safe, fun, and proven teaching method taught in thousands of schools and clubs world wide. Shoot for Life has grown and been extremely successful in introducing kids and adults to the world of archery. Last year, Joe put together the first Shoot for Life Javelina Youth Hunt which was a huge success.
This year was the 2nd annual javelina hunt, and in total there were 16 youth hunters, each accompanied by a parent and mentor. We all met up on Friday night and talked to the AZGFD wildlife manager for the unit. I had the honor of mentoring one of the young hunters and her dad on Friday and Saturday. We hunted hard for 2 days and didn’t see a pig. Although our group saw a bunch of deer and had a great time in the field, it was tough to finish up without spotting a pig for our hunter.
The overall experience at the Shoot For Life camp was extremely positive. Each youth hunter I spoke with had a huge smile on their face and couldn’t stop talking about what a good time they had. Hanging out during lunch at camp with the other hunters and mentors, the air was full of stories from the hunt and positive vibes. Although only one youth hunter was able to kill a pig, the experience of helping out in a youth hunting camp is extremely rewarding.
If you know of any new archers or hunters who are looking for an opportunity to get into the field and enjoy the beauty of Arizona, definitely check out the Outdoor Skills Calendar which shows many other camps put on by great organizations like Shoot for Life.
Sign up to receive email updates from Arizona Wanderings
What a great time this must have been. I’ve never been a big hunter and have never seen a Javelina but, wow. Nice job Ben.
Thanks Howard. Hunting gives me the same good feeling that fishing does. Sometimes it’s nice just to be outside.
Ben
Great opportunity – will have to look into it for my oldest (5). I certainly have no business teaching him archery!
What unit was the hunt in? I am anxious for hunt here in a few weeks in 20B, though it will be “new school” (rifle).
I stand by the belief just getting outside is the real reward – the trophy/meat is the icing on the cake.
Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely. You should get in touch with Joe at Shoot for Life (follow the links in the article) or check out the Game and Fish Regs. Once a youth hunter takes a hunter safety course, there are many different youth camps for the different game species. This unit we hunted in was actually 20B as well. There is lots of good country there. Good luck on your hunt.
Ben
Kudos to all that help or mentor at a hunting camp. It is fun and rewarding mentoring our youth (the future of our sport). Youth Spring Turkey camps are just around the corner.
Thanks Bill. I’ve mentored at the Rich Williams turkey camp in 23 for a couple of years. It’s always fun to see a kids face light up the first time he hears a turkey gobble. Take care.
Ben