Summer Is Here!

Well, turkey season ended for me without much to report. I had the opportunity to take a young hunter out (see last month’s issue), which was fun and a learning experience, but no longbeard. It seemed like whenever I had time to get out there, it rained. I know that’s a weak excuse to pass on a hunting opportunity, but it would have been solo hunting, and I just decided to wait on better weather. And just like that, the season was over. I saw photos of several nice birds taken in our GON Trophy Room, and I’ll be interested to see what the harvest numbers across the state were.

So, now we’re into June and another school year is wrapped up. Congratulations to all moving on to the next grade and those who graduated. So, what’s in store for you this summer? I’ve been involved as an archery instructor for quite awhile. I’ve always enjoyed shooting my bow and now enjoy teaching others the sport. I teach an “Intro To Archery Program” here in north Georgia, and this year, I have had some awesome and talented youths. I asked one young lady what her goals for archery were. She said she wanted to make the Olympic archery team. Well, she is one motivated individual!

Nationally, there’s a program called SD3A that can carry you to your next archery goals. SD3A is a program designed for just such kids. They’re attracted to S3DA because they are free to use any equipment of their choice, from any brand or company, only restricting speed limits based on their age and shooting division. These archers can progress through the sport at their own speed as they grow and develop. The program states, “Each S3DA class provides a natural progression that helps youth grow from elementary school through high school and it allows them to move straight into shooting at the collegiate level, where they are earning scholarships to shoot archery.” For more information, contact Larry Painter at 706.429.4832 or visit www.s3da.net/about-program.

If archery isn’t your thing, fishing just might be. Our state has some fantastic fishing opportunities. June 1-8 is National Fishing and Boating Week and brings with it two free fishing days, on May 31 and June 7. On this day, Georgia residents don’t need a fishing license to fish on any public waters in the state, including lakes, streams, ponds and PFAs. Visit https://georgiawildlife.com/nfbw and https://georgiawildlife.com/KidsFishing for more information. Remember, safety first when on the water and all the best for a great summer!