Page 11 - Nov/Dec 2021 Outdoor Oklahoma

“Dad, can Jacob come with us?”

That’s how it all started, that very simple question posed by my 9-year- KUrt KUKLInSKI/ODWC
old son, Owen. It was early fall 2015, and I was planning and preparing for
Owen’s first deer hunting experience, the 2015 youth deer gun season.
Owen and I had been making plans to spend three days at Black Kettle
National Grasslands, to participate in the youth season at Black Kettle
Wildlife Management Area. Until then, I had never even considered inviting
a friend to join us. I had high expectations of a father-son bonding weekend,
spending three days in the beautiful setting of western Oklahoma canyon
country, walking the wild prairie landscape in the hopes of an opportunity
to harvest Owen’s first deer.
I will admit that I was initially hesitant to include another youth hunter for
this special occasion, my own son’s first deer hunt. But seeing his desire to
share the experience with his buddy Jacob opened my mind and my heart to
one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
I had no idea that Owen’s simple question would increase my own
love of the outdoors by adding another hunter/angler to the long list of
Oklahomans who are passionate about our outdoor sports.
Jacob has been a family friend since Owen’s first days in school. They are
classmates, have played on many sports teams together, and have formed a
strong bond as friends. Jacob’s family is not what you would categorize as an Owen with his whitetail buck harvest. He
continues to enjoy growing up with outdoor
outdoor-oriented family. There isn’t a family history of hunting and fishing. experiences just like his father before him.

KUrt KUKLInSKI/ODWC

Friend Jacob, left, was invited by Owen Kuklinski, right, on his first deer hunt, and after Owen’s dad, Kurt, agreed, both were able to
harvest a deer using the same rifle.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 9