Sharing the Wonder of the Outdoors

A youth hunt was conducted at the Cameron Ranch, Sabinal, Texas in mid-January for a special group of young men. Those attending were as follows:

Curtis Cameron-- Ranch Owner Doug Radcliffe – Group Coordinator

Ray Allred – Hunt Chairman Steve Moore – House Father

Scott Martin – Work Coordinator Jacentino Tubbs – Staff Member

John Ward – Work Coordinator Robert Mason -- Student

Bob Shaw – Range Officer Andy U-chupongamorn-- Student

Bill Crump – Director of Training Samuel Contreraz---Student

Jake Nelson – Supervisor Steven Todd -- Student

Robert Doubrava – Staff Member Nick Nelson – Student

Daniel Martinez -- Student

Zac Doubrava – Student

Sissy Martin -- Student

Andy, Steven, Daniel, Robert and Samuel, all fine young men, are residence of the Presbyterian Christian Home in San Antonio, Texas. They were referred to this home by social workers because they have been deprived of proper parental care and support. In this home they are given a chance to develop into outstanding citizens. It is interesting to note that this home is financed by the Presbyterians and no federal funds are available for the operations or maintenance of this facility.

In addition to these young men, several of our regular hunting group brought their children on this hunt. They were: Nick Nelson, Zac Doubrava, and Sissy Martin. They too had a great time, but wanted to know why we held them out of the competitions. The reasoning was simple, our kids were raised hunting and fishing because that is what we parents do. So while younger in years, they are too skilled to be competing against these young men most of which were first timers in the field.

When the boys arrived at the ranch a hearty meal consisting of chili, and cornbread was prepared. Peach cobbler topped with ice cream was the dessert. They were then given a tour of the ranch and then it was off to bed. The next morning, after a leisure breakfast, Ray Allred called a meeting and welcomed the students to the ranch. He also covered the schedule and administrative details for the weekend. Finally, there was a drawing to pair up the Supervisors with the boys – each youth had an experienced licensed hunter as a mentor for the next couple of days.

Bill Crump followed with a class on Firearms Safety, Hunting Techniques, and Game Identification. Bob Shaw followed with a class on rifle marksmanship, target shooting, and the responsibilities of the hunter while in the field.

We then moved to the range where Curtis Cameron, Ranch Owner and County Commissioner, welcomed the group to his ranch. He emphasized the importance of having a fun but safe weekend. Then Bob opened the range and supervised the students as they shot two targets, one for practice and the other for competition. The results of the competition were:

1st Place – Andy

2nd Place – Samuel

3rd Place – Steven

Jacentino had brought his .40 caliber automatic pistol with him. He requested Bob give him some personal shooting instructions. After the rest of us had left the range, he and Bob remained behind and we heard them shooting for some time. Later when they returned to the house, we had the opportunity to examine the targets, not bad shooting.

Jake Nelson hooked the truck up to our trailer. Then he, Scott Martin and John Ward took the boys out to teach them something about ranch work. They gathered wood for the fireplaces, worked on the blinds and feeders. They also did chores around the barn and the corral. The boys learned a great deal about ranch life in a very short period of time. This is a very productive bunch of boys.

After a quick mid-afternoon snack the boys then drew for hunting areas and a short time later departed on a hunt that was a first for all but one. It was not long after they were settled in the blind before the action began. As we finished the hunt we repaired to the cleaning station to clean the many deer that were collected.

Another first -- None had really gutted, cleaned, or butchered an animal before. They all joined in while Robert Doubrava did most of the demonstrations, others helped these young men as they were doing some on the job training. As with any group, one stands out when doing a hunting task, care and cleaning of the deer was no exception. Young Daniel did an outstanding job that night.

When all the game was cleaned and put away, they gathered at the dinner table for a wonderful dinner of sausage, brisket, potatoes, salad, and ice cream for dessert. After the dinner, Steve Moore, the House Father, conducted an hour bible study class for the boys. Then it was to bed for a short night before the big buck comes running through the house waking everybody up. That happens about 0530 hours.

The second day of hunting was a cold one. It was in the mid-20s when we all struck out for our assigned hunting areas. Ice was on the windshields and the wind was blowing about 10 miles per hour, which made it even colder. The moon was against us as it was almost full and provided a lot of light that the animals used for feeding during the night. With this drop in temperature, the animals felt very comfortable remaining in their warm cover until the sun came up with its warming rays.

It was about 1000 hours when brunch was served. That was followed by a major effort to clean the house and outside area. Once completed, an Awards Ceremony was held, with Doug Radcliffe presenting the following:

The shooting awards were as identified above, Andy and Samuel received 1st and 2nd place gold medals for their shooting abilities. In the Hunting category, Andy and Daniel received 1st and 2nd place gold medals. In the Hunting Achievement category all the youths received a gold medal in recognition of their recent accomplishments. Then there were several special awards – Best Skinner to Daniel who received a Remington Hunting Knife and Best Fire Builder to Zac who received a Cabela’s clip knife. Nick was awarded a gold medal for the Most Improved Hunter category. And finally, Sissy was presented the antler award for demonstrating the most bravery while on a deer hunt.

The boys packed out and said their goodbyes. After their departure we sat around and discussed what a heartwarming experience that had been. We also discussed future plans to accommodate young men and women who are in need of and would appreciate an outdoor experience. Other benefits that we could make available to fine young men and women were also discussed -- scholarships, summer employment, tickets to sporting events, were a few that were mentioned.

Yes indeed, this was a win-win weekend for all. You can bet that we are looking forward to continuing this effort and just perhaps one or more of these kids will have enjoyed this experience to the point that they will want to continue this wonderful sport. More importantly, when tempted to take a wrong turn they will reflect on the great outdoors – the folks they have met through this activity -- and elect to do the correct thing rather to error in judgment. Take a young person hunting every time you have an opportunity. I promise you it is something you will not regret.