Many of the hunters and anglers I know do an admirable job of passing on their outdoor knowledge to their own kids and friends. But in our increasingly urbanized society we cannot do enough to generate new stewards of our great outdoors to keep up.

That’s why new and innovative programs like the Hoosier Outdoor Experience afford children and adults the opportunity to wrap their hands around hunting, fishing kayaking, camping and everything else outdoors. The weekend-long program, sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources and Natural Resources Foundation, will take place at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis Sept. 26-27. Parking, admission, demonstrations and seminars are all free.

This two-day extravaganza is especially suited for anyone who loves the outdoors, as well as for individuals and families who have an interest in these types of activities but lack the basic knowledge or background necessary to pursue them.

With our state’s deer hunting seasons just around the corner, a segment of the Hoosier Outdoor experience will include “The sensory trail.” This program will introduce participants to the many scenarios likely encountered while deer hunting. It is designed to visually explain different types of sign left by deer, equipment used for hunting and what to do when a deer is harvested. Those who take in the sensory trail will leave with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to begin hunting out state’s premier big game animal.

The entire event is geared toward beginning or intermediate hunters looking to gain valuable knowledge.

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience was designed to be family friendly. Unlike traditional trade shows, visitors will be able to enjoy hands-on experiences in a wide range of outdoor activities.

Probably the most notable benefit of the Hoosier Outdoor Experience is that it’s sure to generate an increased appreciation for our great outdoors. Even if participants never take the next step in enjoying our natural resources they will undoubtedly leave with an appreciation for environmental stewardship and conservation. When people appreciate something, they place value on it. Public appreciation and public value are two things our outdoor traditions need more than ever.

Although the Hoosier Outdoor Experience is open to everyone, online registration is required. To register go to hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov.

First time out

If there is one thing I enjoy more than being in the woods or on the water myself, it is hearing of a youngster’s first outdoor hunting or fishing experience. I recently received a letter from Jerry Gillis recalling his grandson’s first hunting trip, which, I wanted to share with readers.

Dear John:

There is something I wanted to share with you. I’ve included a picture of my grandson Blake’s very first harvest of any game animal. In fact, this was his very first hunting experience. I believe the look on his face tells it all. How was he able to do this? Believe it or not, with the help of Cabela’s Big Game Hunter. He got hooked on the video, but my son Jeff and I wondered how he would react in a “real” hunting situation.

Earlier this year I had made the decision that I needed to leave something for my grandson. I have hunted and fished all of my life and wanted to instill the vision of a young boy growing into a man, a man who would have appreciation and respect for what we have in our outdoors.

After discussing this with my wife, we decided that getting Blake his first .22 rifle would be a fitting, life-long gift. Something he would always have and remember.

To his surprise, he received his first rifle with scope this past spring. He was beside himself. The look on his face was all I needed to see.

We mounted the scope and sighted it in. My son Jeff and I took Blake into the backyard to see how well he could shoot. We also made sure he knew and adhered to all firearm safety rules. It didn’t take long for him to become comfortable with the gun and he was also soon shooting dead zero on the bullseye.

Blake got his first opportunity to hunt squirrels this past weekend. Jeff made arrangements with a friend who owns some wooded property in Cass County. My son and grandson stopped by our house before leaving for the afternoon hunt. After several hours our grandson came to the front door with a big grin on his face and says, “Papaw, come look what I got!”

Mr. Martino, the picture tells more than I could ever write or express in words. Another generation will go on to hunt, find the beauty, seek the peace and find solace in our great outdoors.

Sincerely,

Jerry Gillis

Galveston

Tournament Results

Frank Brown came out on top at last Monday morning’s Kokomo Reservoir open team bass tourney with five largemouth totaling 9 pounds, 2 ounces. Dennis McKee finished in second place with five fish dropping the scales at 7 pounds, 13 ounces. A largemouth bass missing the 3-pound mark by an ounce gave the team of Bob Rose and Terry Thor the tourney’s “big fish” honor.

Wayne Nolder and Bob Rose took first place and “big bass” honors at last Tuesday’s Delphi-Delco bass tourney held on Mississinewa Reservoir with a single largemouth topping out at 2 pounds, 2 ounces. A smallmouth bass weighing 1 pound, 8 ounces gave the team of Ron Miller and Keith Milburn second place.

Phil Reel and Greg Rude came off a first-place finish after last Wednesday evening’s Kokomo Reservoir open team tourney with five largemouth bass sporting a total weight of 8 pounds. Dennis McKee, fishing solo, earned second place and the “big fish” award with a largemouth tipping the scales at 2 pounds, 9 ounces.

We Care Bass Tourney

The annual We Care Bass Tourney will take place Oct. 4 at Mississinewa Reservoir. The event will begin with a 7:30 a.m. launch time and conclude with the weigh-in at 3:30 p.m. Registration will be held at the Miami Ramp. The tourney is open to the first 75 teams that register.

A portion of the proceeds will go to this year’s annual We Care fundraising effort which directs funding assistance to charitable organizations that help the less fortunate.

Anglers taking part in the upcoming event will be treated to a free lunch, provided by Sheila’s Custom Catering and raffle prizes donated by area merchants.

Registration forms are available at Roby’s Bullseye Outdoors and Jack’s Tackle in Kokomo, Jim’s Tackle in Marion or by calling Terri and Jeff Rude at (765) 457-3636.

• John Martino is the Tribune’s outdoors columnist. He may be reached by e-mail at jmartinooutdoors@att.net.