Thought that as a youth I might as well sound off...
My name is Craig and I am 17. I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico (that IS in the U.S. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif )and have for all of my life. Was introduced to the outdoors before I could even walk. Used to go sit in grandpa's lap in the boat while he trolled, when he hooked into a fish he would set me on the seat and then land it.
Started tagging along with Uncles when I learned to walk. Before I was 6 I had accompanied three deer hunts, three elk hunts, numerous dove and quail excursions, and a myriad of fishing adventures. Yup, been addicted that long.
Received my hunter education card at the age of 8 (was the youngest person in New Mexico to do that...don't know if I still am). My parents bought me a 20 gauge shotgun for Christmas, and I decided that it was even more fun to get to carry a gun along.
Bought my first big game rifle when I was 9 (Marlin 30-30), suddenly began to realize that I wanted more guns. Long story short, I have now spent every penny I have ever made on rifles or ammunition or camo. Decided that I like hunting better than girls anyway /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif .
Began predator hunting when I was 12. Went along with my uncle who ran a trapline, and he showed me that coyotes and other predators will investigate a critter in distress call. Needless to say I was hooked from then on.
Shot my first deer when I was 15. Killed two in two days out in Camdenton County Misourri with the .308 that my grandfather gave me.
Made the mistake of going bowhunting for mulies. Saw more deer in two days then I had ever seen in my life. Shot a nice 3X3 on the third day (15 yard broadside shot /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif ). Now I am hooked on bowhunting.
Started to shoot competitive air rifle in the last couple years. Been pretty serious at that. Had the opportunity to go to the Olympic Training Center outside of Atlanta, Georgia this past summer for the Junior Olympics. Awesome experience.
For, college I plan to either do a split-option program through the National Guard or to attend West Point Military Academy. Figure that I might as well stand up for the rights that my grandfather, uncle, and cousin fought for.
I spend every free hour that I can hunting or fishing. I don't care where or for what, just being out there is what does it for me.
I love this site, and I appreciate all of you listening to me and answering my unending supply of questions.
bwb