Passing on Our Hunting Heritage
Hunting stands as a timeless tradition deeply rooted in human history. The preservation of our hunting heritage is one of the core components of the mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation. To preserve this tradition, we must pass on the knowledge, opportunities and passion to instill a love for nature, a sense of responsibility and a profound connection with the outdoors to the next generations.
At the Three Rivers Chapter banquet in Greenwood, Mississippi, a young boy approached Johnny McKinion, the NWTF regional director for Mississippi, expressing his wish for a camo hat. Responding with generosity, the boy not only received the hat but also a special 50th-anniversary NWTF Woodhaven call. The joy on the boy's face was undeniable. "He lit up like it was Christmas,” McKinion said.
The story continued as last Friday marked the opening day for Mississippi's youth turkey season. Participating in this hunt, the boy set out wearing that same camo hat. With the help of his dad, he called in a bird with his gifted friction call and harvested his first turkey.
Stories like this serve as a reminder of the profound impact that mentorship, generosity and community support can have on shaping the future of hunting. Beyond the thrill of the chase and the harvest, lies a deeper narrative—one of connection, stewardship and legacy. In a world characterized by constant change, preserving the traditions of hunting is not merely an obligation but a privilege to safeguard our hunting heritage.
“I like to get all the kids at our banquets up front at the beginning of the night and point out to our attendees that these children are the future,” McKinion said. “We take them hunting when they are young and one day when we are old they will be the ones taking us—they are our future hunters and conservationists. Fostering passion for hunting in the next generation to preserve our hunting heritage is one of the most important things that can be instilled in our children. Hunting heritage is so much more than the harvesting of game, it’s about bonding with family and friends, making relationships that will last a lifetime, creating memories and stories that will be told over and over and shared for generations.”
As hunters, it is our responsibility to perpetuate the legacy of our craft by passing on the flame ignited by our mentors. Through acts of kindness and mentorship, we nurture the next generation, ensuring that the passion for hunting remains vibrant in the hearts of those who will carry it forward. In the end, it is these acts of kindness and mentorship that truly make a difference, ensuring that the spirit of hunting endures for generations to come.