New York City Metro Longspurs Chapter Hosts First Event
When we think of all the hunting and outdoor opportunities the NWTF works to provide through its access and outreach programs, New York City usually isn’t the first place that comes to mind; the dedicated volunteers of the newly fashioned NWTF New York City Metro Longspurs Chapter are changing that.
Cliff Cadet, co-founder and president of the new chapter, wants to create engaging opportunities for individuals in the city who would otherwise not experience the great outdoors.
The chapter’s Archery for Beginners event, held at Gotham Archery, is the first of many NWTF programs coming to the Big Apple.
“There are many people born in the city, grow up in the city, and don’t even know all the great public land opportunities not even an hour away,” Cadet said. “They may be interested in archery or hunting but don’t think that is possible based on their location. Our chapter is working to bring the joys of the outdoors to those within the city and provide the skills and expertise they need to get afield on public land.”
The JAKES event, Archery for Beginners, did just that. Families and individuals of different ages and backgrounds learned about archery safety, how to shoot, conservation and how to take the skills they learned in the class into the field in the future.
Cadet, an adult-onset hunter himself, knows firsthand the struggles of getting outdoors as a new hunter.
For instance, buying his first bow in 2017, he often practiced in his driveway until he learned it was prohibited. He eventually discovered Proline Archery in Queens and would hone his skills until his first deer hunt in 2019.
Since becoming a talented archer and hunter himself, Cadet has made it a goal to eliminate those barriers for others through the NWTF New York City Metro Longspurs Chapter.
“I want to help new and experienced hunters do everything from getting their first bows and licenses to navigating the logistics of getting out to public land and in touch with mentors,” he said.