This is for all bowhunters that have children or know children.

I would like to take the time to talk about your kids. Everyone knows a kid. Heck we are everywhere. But have you took a child Bowhunting? It may be that child down the street that you occasionally keep an eye on while his mother goes to the store. It may be that child that cuts your grass every summer to earn a little extra cash. Whoever it might be you know a child.

Many children enjoy the outdoors. I haven't met a kid yet that doesn't like to fish. But a lot of children haven't had the exposure to the outdoors. They may live miles from the nearest lake or hours away from the nearest forest but it isn't to late to take a kid bowhunting.

Even if you work strenuous hours, it might be a good idea to take a few days off and go on a stress free bowhunt with your child -- or one you know. My father used to hunt when he was a child. But as he grew older he lost his love for the woods and found his second love, computers. But my brother in law on the other hand, came from a whole line of people that hunted.

I remember the first time my brother in law Charlie told me that it was my turn to go hunting with him. I was excited, but my mother was worried sick. After 3 hours of begging and a few tears she finally gave in.

I couldn't even sleep. Charlie told me I was going to be up and ready to go by 4:00 am . But I was up and ready at 2:00. The camo I had didn't even fit. My mother had me so bundled up I could hardly move. We finally got into the woods and went to Charlie's stand. He placed me in a nearby tree and told me to be still and keep watch for movement. I was 9 years old, excited, and being still was out of the question. I had no firearm or anything. Just me, sitting in a homemade stand 10 feet above the ground.

Even though we didn't see anything that morning. I still felt 10 feet tall. I will never forget that crisp cold morning. And it was all because someone took the time to take me hunting.

Now I am 16 and live for hunting. I go anytime I can. Charlie still takes me. We laugh and cut up. We both learn something new each time we are in the woods, and I am really glad we have that bond.

So take a day off, go knock on that kids door that cuts your lawn. And invite him to go hunting with you. The worst you could get out of it is a few good memories and who knows, maybe a bowhunting companion. Brian Pullam, brian@bowhunting.net