Fall 2003

President's Message

Fall is finally here. My favorite time of the year what I've been waiting on since the end of last January. As I have grown older and changed, so have my reasons for this excitement.

Early in my life, fall was a time of adventure walking through the woods with a single shot 20 gauge with my grandfather or great aunt Florence, going to the deer camp and playing in the mud or just being amazed at all the men with large guns and packs of hounds. I was not exactly sure what was going on, but something was starting to stir deep within my soul this time of year.

While in high school and college, I tried to become a serious student of hunting. I believed in learning as much as possible about wildlife and I believed in practice with my weapon. I also played the numbers game. I needed to prove myself by always getting the limit, making the longest shot and having the widest rack. I was almost fanatical in my pursuits, no drive was too far and no walk was too rugged for the right spot.

In medical school and residency, I quickly found out how precious free time really is. Because of this, I had to make more effort to include family and friends in my adventures. Thankfully, I married a girl that would not only allow me to spend my free time hunting, but encouraged (and shared) my passion for the outdoors. We were married about 5 years before our first child and during this time I learned to appreciate sharing the outdoors with my wife, who was able to put a few nice racks on the wall. One Christmas, she even found a new pair of waders under the tree!

In what I now know was preparation for children, my wife and I spent hours and hours training our first dog (child), Mac, and then competed in AKC Hunt Tests.

Over the last several years, I have found that I still want to shoot my limit maybe not every time. I still want to shoot a buck larger than my last one. I still want Cole, my latest Labrador to pass the AKC National Masters Hunt Test. But these desires are not as intense as they once were. Now my thoughts are dominated by continuing a tradition and preserving a heritage that is deeply rooted in our state and our country. I hope to pass on a legacy to my sons by encouraging them to love nature as much as I do. Finally, I hope that in some small way I can make a difference by leaving the land in better shape than we found it.

Hunting seems to have taken on a more spiritual side for me as well. When I am in a duck blind or tree stand, I find peace within myself that cannot be found elsewhere. I truly feel that I am experiencing the grace of God when sitting in a duck blind with good friends. While sitting in a tree stand I am able to meditate and reflect while enjoying God's creation.

As it has always been, Fall signifies more opportunities to spend time with friends. What is different for me now is the enjoyment I receive taking friends hunting who have never been and those that may need a little help to still make it to the blind.

Of course, what is most important to me at this stage of my life is spending quality time with my children. There are so many lessons of life that we can teach our children through hunting. I hope to instill in my boys a love of the land and wildlife! Patience is also an important virtue that can be taught through hunting! Most importantly, I hope they learn to appreciate life and nature and not take either for granted. I want them to be thankful for the opportunity and the privilege to hunt.

My biggest hope is that in the years to come, my sons will develop this unexplainable excitement when the mornings become cooler, the leaves begin to fall and it's time for hunting season!


Jeff Clark, M.D.
President