Predator Call

Last year, I attempted to help organize a Texas Trophy Hunter/Burnham Brothers deer hunt for some kids from San Antonio.  I wanted to give a few youngsters the opportunity to deer hunt who would otherwise not have the chance to do so.  We got a late start and were not able to get the hunt organized. I got in touch with Joe Betar, President of the Texas Trophy Hunters Association in San Antonio to help find the kids that were genuinely interested in hunting and killing a deer.  His first plan was to bring some kids from a church youth group.  When he was unable to recruit as many youth as we wanted, he made a call to Leon McNeil, City Kids Adventures.  He asked Leon if he had any children that wanted to go on a deer hunt and Leon assured him that he did. 

The group was gathered last Friday afternoon and they drove to the Whispering Waters Ranch south of Menard.  The group stayed at the ranch and we hunted there and another ranch owned by E. T. Barrett.  There were a total of 6 kids, one from the church and five from Leon’s City Kids Adventures.  I have helped with many youth hunts over the years but these kids were the best behaved, courteous and grateful of any I have ever had the opportunity to hunt with.

I feel that the kids behavior can be directly attributed to the leadership and discipline of Leon McNeil.  It is Leon’s belief that you should not give anything to the kids, they should have to earn it.  This “earning” of the hunt instills a work ethic that is missing in so many people today.  So many folks want something for nothing and expect the Government to take care of them.

There were four boys and two girls and all of the children killed at least one deer.  They did not ask for someone to field dress their deer rather a little direction so that they could learn for themselves.  These children were most coach-able and were there to learn.

I felt that this was a great target audience as they will go back and relate stories to folks that most of us will never have the opportunity to reach.  Before the hunt, I was praying that we would have a safe hunt and that the participants would somehow receive a blessing.  When the hunt was over, I realized that I was the one who was blessed.  If you have the opportunity to reward a youngster with a hunt or fishing trip, please do so.  We can’t always take…there should be a time for giving back.