Page 6 - 2019 MAY/JUNE Outdoor Oklahoma

2018 CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION

“HUNTING IS A LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Each year, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Con-
servation and Oklahoma Station Chapter Safari Club International join to
sponsor a creative writing competition for Oklahoma middle and high school

students. A boy and a girl from two age divisions are selected winners. Stu-
dents were required to write essays using the theme “Hunting: Sharing the

Heritage” or “Archery: What I Like About Archery in the Schools and Bow-
hunting.” Winners in the age 15-17 category receive a guided antelope hunt in
the Texas Panhandle, and winners in the 11-14 age category receive a hunting

trip at the Chain Ranch and a scholarship to the Outdoor Texas Camp. In
this issue, “Outdoor Oklahoma” honors senior category male winner Colby
Webb, 15, from Stuart High School.

HUNTING: with a gun. Your fun and curiosity does not end when
SHARING you hit the target. It continues to compel you as you

THE enjoy the relaxing benefits of the woods.

Since that first hunt and with every hunt thereafter,
HERITAGE I have been able to become more in tune with nature

By Colby Webb and my heritage as I step out of the hustle and bustle
Hunting is an enjoy- of life and into the great outdoors. By bow hunting,
ment as well as a part I am involved in conservation and giving wildlife a
of my heritage. To be better habitat.
able to go hunting in Whether you want to enjoy a good hunting trip
the woods with my family is an extraordinary feel- with friends or family or you are hunting for some-
ing. Hunting is a life changing opportunity and a thing to eat, you can almost always obtain what

great memory maker. For me, it’s not just about the you need from another hunter. This is part of what
kill. It’s about family friends and fun. makes hunting so great and amazing.
One thing I like more than rifle hunting with my Above all, I believe my favorite thing as a hunter is
family is bow hunting. Bow hunting presents more of being able to go hunting with my family. By sharing
a challenge to me. this sport, we are able to make memorable moments
With bow hunting, you have a lot more to take in and connect with my heritage, whether in the woods
than just pulling the trigger. You have to take many or around the campsite. I hope this family tradition

things into consideration. For example, the wind and will not have to end when I have to hang up my gun
types of arrows you use. for the last time, but it will continue on for further
Bow hunting is just so much more fun than hunting generations of family.

4 Off the Beaten Path

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