Page 12 - Nov/Dec 2021 Outdoor Oklahoma

KUrt KUKLInSKI/ODWC Jacob’s family isn’t opposed to hunting or fishing; the family just hasn’t had
the experience of enjoying these outdoor recreational opportunities.
It’s also important to note that firearms and a lack of familiarity with
guns was not an obstacle for Jacob to participate in hunting, as one of his
parents works in the law enforcement field. Jacob was supported by his
family in completing his hunter education curriculum, and he joined us
for his first hunting experience in October 2015.
The shared youth deer hunt that fall was an incredibly enjoyable and
memorable trip for all three of us. The morning of Oct. 18, Owen and
Jacob harvested their first deer within a minute of each other. After Jacob
made a perfect shot, he passed the 7mm-08 youth rifle to Owen, who
quickly followed by connecting with a great shot.
Two “first deer” taken. A story woven between friends, never to be for-
gotten. And a very excited and proud dad!
During the past five-plus years, we’ve continued to include Jacob in
Jacob shows off a spotted bass he caught at our hunting and fishing adventures. I’ve added my younger son, Rylan,
Lake Texoma. another young outdoor enthusiast, into my hunting family. (And Jacob is
absolutely a part of this family.)
When the number of youth hunters increased to three with the addition
PrOVIDED of Rylan, I asked my father if he was interested in joining his grandsons and
Jacob on our annual deer hunts. My dad jumped at the opportunity and has
loved every minute of his time hunting with us the past four years.
My dad brings an incredible amount of experience and wisdom to our
hunts. And all three boys soak up that knowledge, hanging on every
word when Grandpa Gary shares one of his hunting or fishing stories.
My dad thanks me for welcoming him to mentor these young men, and
for adding “another grandson” in Jacob, whom he loves like all of his
other grandchildren.
Since that first hunt in 2015, Jacob has immersed himself in outdoor
recreation. He now has his own deer rifle, a Christmas gift from his
family, so he is able to continue his hunting lifestyle. Jacob spends his
own money acquiring hunting gear and fishing tackle. He subscribes to
hunting and fishing magazines and online content. He will soon earn
the independence of a driver’s license, which no doubt will open the
doors even wider to his outdoor world.
We have shared countless hunting and fishing adventures together
Kurt Kuklinski is an outdoor during the past five years. Each experience is made better by having
enthusiast who grew up hunting Jacob there to share in it with my family. As I reflect on this history, I am
and fishing with his family in almost embarrassed to admit an initial feeling of reluctance to reach
central Wisconsin. He has pursued
his love of fish and wildlife from out to Jacob and include him in my family’s outdoor story.
coastal waters to rolling prairies What if I had been too selfish to share this with Jacob? How much
and mountain streams, often with enjoyment and growth would he have missed out on? How much enjoy-
his beloved dogs. Kurt has worked ment and growth would my father and I have missed out on?
as a researcher with ODWC for Yes, including another youth in our outdoor experiences takes extra
20 years, studying both fish and planning, extra coordination, and some added expense. But listening
wildlife. He now supervises the to Owen back in 2015 and inviting Jacob to be a part of our hunt were
Wildlife Research and Wildlife among the best decisions I ever made.
Diversity Programs. When not I’m proud to know that Jacob will continue to be a passionate and eth-
guiding his sons (and Jacob) to new ical hunter and angler. It warms my heart that he can tell his family and
fishing and hunting adventures, friends that he has provided protein for the dinner table.
Kurt and his wife, Heather, enjoy My advice is to go ahead and take the chance if it’s ever presented.
traveling and watching their sons
compete in athletics. Make the offer to include a new recruit in the wonderful experiences
provided by outdoor recreation.

10 OUTDOOR OKLAHOMA