Passing Down Our Hunting Traditions
For many of us, hunting is more than just a pastime; it's a way of life, ingrained in our identity and values. From the anticipation of open seasons to the quiet moments of preparation in between, hunting encompasses a rich tapestry of experiences and traditions that we cherish. Yet, as we immerse ourselves in this lifestyle, there's a profound desire to share it with the next generation, to pass down not just the skills of the hunt, but the deeper ethos that underpins it.
Layne Lindeman, president of the NWTF Pioneer Chapter of N.E. Texas, embodies this sentiment as he recounts the journey of mentoring his daughter, Landri, in the world of hunting.
Landri's initiation into the world of hunting began long before her first successful hunt. Beginning at 2 years old, she accompanied her father to deer stands and turkey blinds, absorbing the sights and sounds of nature. Her familiarity with the outdoors laid a foundation upon which her passion for hunting would later flourish. Having previously harvested an 8-point buck with a crossbow, her upcoming turkey hunt was the next step in her hunting journey helping to crystallize the bond between father and daughter and the significance of passing down hunting traditions.
Preparation was key. For weeks leading up to the hunt, Lindeman and Landri devoted their afternoons to honing her shooting skills with a .410 shotgun. Through meticulous target practice, they simulated the dynamics of a real hunt, preparing Landri for the unpredictable movements of a wild turkey.
When youth turkey season arrived in the south Texas hunting zone, Lindeman headed afield with his daughter and wife west of Cotulla, Texas, in hopes of a successful hunt. Unfavorable weather, though, stacked the odds against them.
“Cold and drizzly, and super high winds, we never heard a bird gobble,” Lindeman said. “We hunted the morning at a ranch and only saw one hen before moving to a different ranch that afternoon and set up at a four-way road where there were lots of tracks and strut marks. We set up a jake and two hen decoys — still, no birds gobbling.”
However, the defining moment came when a lone gobbler emerged from the underbrush to fight with the decoy they had set up. With her father’s guidance, Landri steadied her aim and waited patiently for the perfect shot. As the echoes of the gunshot faded, a sense of triumph and exhilaration filled the air as Landri had successfully harvested her first gobbler.
“My emotions were crazy, I had been waiting on this moment her whole life,” Lindeman said. “Just to get to experience her light up and be excited and happy to be hunting. I teared up knowing that she did it, and hopefully I have created another turkey monster! Looking forward to many more hunts with my baby girl.”
Beyond the thrill of the hunt, Lindeman seized the opportunity to instill in Landri a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation. Together, they marveled at the intricate beauty of the turkey's feathers and discussed the significance of wildlife and habitat conservation. Through this shared experience, Lindeman hoped to impart the skills of a hunter and the tenet of a responsible steward of the land.
“I hope that she will love the outdoors as much as I do and learn that although we are hunters, we are also conservationists,” Lindeman said. “We want to see our game (animals) thrive, so by supporting organizations such as the NWTF, hopefully there will be turkeys available for us to hunt for many years to come.”