Hi my name is Jylyna Zedan and I am 15 years old, in the 10th grade. I was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, but moved to Michigan when I was one, so yes, I do consider myself a true Michigander. I first started hunting when I was three years old. I loved going out in the woods with my parents just to sit in the blind with them. My mom and dad use to give me the deer call and I just blew in it, with no pattern at all, or I made noises that didn't even sound like deer. Little did my parents know I would be the one calling in the deer.

My dad noticed I had an interest in hunting, and had the idea to get me my own bow to see if I would like it. Christmas of 1994, there was an odd shaped present under the tree. I tore it open, and a look of excitement came across my face, it was my very first bow! Stick bow or not, I was so happy I had a bow just like my hero, my dad. After practice, my parents decided to advance me to my very first compound bow, a PSE bandit. My mom took a picture of me with my new Bandit, and bright pink PSE hat. They thought it was a cute picture, and so did my dad's friend who owned an archery and fishing shop. He hung my picture on his wall, and decided that because of my bow, and hat, he would send my picture to the PSE Company. Not having any idea, my family and I received a PSE catalog and a surprise to our very eyes was my bow and I on the cover of the 1996 PSE product catalog. That year we attended the Novi Expo Show. People started walking up to me saying, "Hey, I know you," and asking me for my autograph. At that point I was really confused and had no idea what was going on. Then my parents realized they noticed me because I was on the catalog, and were asking me for my autograph because I was on the cover. So there I was at 6 years old, signing autographs for people with my beautiful stick letters. I felt pretty cool, but now, years later, I am still remembered by some as that one little girl at the Novi show signing autographs.

Here I am ten years later; I'm fifteen years old. Instead of seven pounds, I pull back fifty-two, and I have a new AR and not my Lil bandit. I got my very first deer in 2002 it was a doe that I shot with my new AR. For a change, I was the one hunting, not my parents. After ten years of going out and sitting in the blind while my mom and dad were hunting, it was my turn. When that animal first came in, it was a feeling until this day, I cannot describe. My hands were shaking, I heard my heart beating faster then ever, and I forgot what to do for a minute. I knew I had to collect my thoughts, and remember everything my parents taught me. I watched the doe tiptoe slowly as I patiently waited for it to be in my shooting range of twenty yards. I took a deep breath, said a little prayer, and slowly pulled back my bow. She slowly started turning and right when she was broad side, THUMP! , There went my arrow, and she was down. "YES! Good shot Lyna!" I heard my dad yell thirty yards away in the other tree stand (video taping). I took another deep breath, and sat back down, realizing I really did it. After going back to hunting camp with my first deer, and after all the first deer traditions (sleeping in the next morning), it was later time to go back home. Telling my story over a hundred times, it reminded me of how much fun I had that hunting season, and psyched me up for the next.

My dad had bought me my own brand new Rugar M77 compact .308, I couldn't wait to shoot it, and use it for the 2003-hunting season. After shooting off a few boxes of ammo, my dad felt I was ready. We went out opening day, and after about eight hours of my dad and I sitting the blind, here was a huge doe. My dad coached me to where it would be stopping and I got rearranged and picked a window to shoot out of. I set up my shooting sticks (props to Grandpa Webb) and got my rifle ready to go. Inching it's way into my cross hairs (87 yards away). KA POW! Right in the front shoulder, she wasn't getting too far. The excitement of seeing a deer and telling my story still shakes me up every time I think about it.

2004 had brought me a new experience; my dad and Grandpa Webb had scouted a few bucks for me. I was still upset from the year before, when I had misjudged where I should have shot a 6-point. He was wounded because I had taken the wrong shot, my family and I show enough respect for the animals we hunt, that with the help of many family and friends including: my mom, cousins, Grandpa Webb and a few others, we tracked that deer for two days. Many gave there day off of hunting to help me find him, and after searching, we, no, actually I, left with nothing but disappointment, and frustration. I had left that season with an empty feeling, and was very upset. I almost gave up, but realized that not everything about hunting is just taking down that deer perfectly. I learned many things about practicing, patience, shot placement, and courage in myself to never give up. People do make mistakes, and you cannot give up on doing things you love. As a great man once told me " You gotta learn from your mistakes, and go on with your life." I knew that in 2004 I was going to have luck and in the end I shot my very first buck, which was an eight point that scored 117 and 5/8.

The two that made everything happen are my mom Dianna, and my dad Tony. I have no "real" siblings but I do have 2 dogs, Dakota six years old, and Cheyenne four years old (German Shorthaired Pointers) who I consider being my brother and sister. My mom has been hunting for 12 years, and my dads been hunting for 18 years. My mom works at the Coffee Beanery at the mall, and my dad is a Real-Estate Agent and Pro Staff Shooter for PSE since 2000.

When hunting season is over, my hobbies are playing sports such as: basketball, volleyball, and softball. I am in a High School symphony band and marching band in the fall. Music is a big part of my life also, I listen to many different kinds, and I also like singing and dancing. My friends and I enjoy shopping, going to the movies, and just hanging out at my house. I love writing, hunting, camping, and shooting my bow and gun.

I have interest in John Deere (I've started a collection), bull riding and rodeo on TV, watching hunting videos with my family and friends, and reading. There are a few people I admire and look up to. First and foremost, I admire both my mom and dad for everything they have done, and everything they continue to do. Mrs. and Mr. Wood for their support and generosity. I also admire Mr. George W. Bush, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, and Spud Duvall (a pro. Bull rider).

Hunting was introduced to me as a hobby, and something to do on the side. It has made a huge impact on my life, and without it, the world would not be the same. Hunting has grown to be a passion, and a way of life for my family and I. One day I hope to introduce hunting to my children, very much the same way my parents introduced it to me. I hope everyone will someday find something wonderful that will keep him or her happy. I hope to one day get more kids hunting, so that this way of life will not disappear. I hope hunting will stay around forever.