By Trav Ferguson
September 26, 2014
To a man, a baby remains abstract right up until it pops out and trust me, they do pop out! Consequently, as a result, men are less prepared for this monumental occasion, called parenthood, NOT the TV show, and this holds especially true if the kiddos due date lands during, or around, any big game hunting season. But lack of preparation, on dad's side, isn't exactly a matter of great concern, at least not, for me. For we are becoming a fatherless America with one out of every three births occurring outside of marriage and many father's have little, or no, connection with their children.
So who could have foreseen this fatherless epidemic? And if we want a healthy, stable and, yes, prosperous America, we need fathers! Come to think of it, didn't whackadoo Freud say, "I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection." Then, again, Freud really, really, really liked cocaine!
But father's are far more than just a second adult in a home. Involved father's bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is as likely to bring, and I'm not just referring to the psychological, social and educational aspects of it. Regretfully, though, for some children, the coldest truth they'll ever face, in life, is that their parent chose to walk away, when they, simply, could have tried harder. So let's focus on the benefits of mentoring and, particularly, mentored hunts. Now research confirms that what we know, anecdotally or intuitionally, is beneficial in a mentored setting. Example: adults influence children through a variety of ways, either intentionally or inadvertently, and it is these experiences, and structured environments, that positively shape a child's identity and helps him or her define appropriate and acceptable behavior. So this fall, let's make a pact, as hunters, to give the opportunity of one-on-one mentored hunts to those who are willing and want to carry on the hunting tradition. And as these children absorb your outdoor knowledge, techniques and ethics, that are crucial for safe and responsible hunting, they'll also find comfort and clarity in the simplicity of hunting.
For My Family:
To the little girls with blonde ringlets and the boys with big blue eyes, you are like new to me every morning. I cannot function without you. You've all changed my world, along with what I think is important, and the gift of being your Daddy has opened my eyes and the doors of opportunity.
You'll forever hold my heart Fiona, Olivia, Jonah and Elijah.
Sincerely, your Daddy Dinosaur!