Big & Small Game Hunting, Newsletter

Hello from the Natural State! My name is Kendra Bryan, and my home lies in the heart of the South, in central, rural Arkansas. I have been raised my entire life here, and I absolutely love it! I wouldn't trade the hills and curvy roads for anything.

Before I get too far into anything, let me briefly introduce my family. My wonderful parents are Ken and Jaki, and I have 6 siblings; 5 brothers and one sister. I fall second among the ranks, but am the oldest at home most of the time.

My mom has done a great job of homeschooling all of us. My one older brother has graduated from highschool and is attending college here locally. I am 17- soon to be 18 this summer- and this is my Senior year in high school. Although I haven't officially graduated yet, I am taking college classes part time at the University of Arkansas.

Presently, I am going for nursing, but that is possible to change in the future. I absolutely love college life so far, and am doing well thus far in keeping my grades up.

When I am not doing my regular schooling and going to class, I stay very busy with work both at home and at the retail clothing store where I am employed.

My hunting history started when I was just a small girl. I would often tag along with my dad and older brother, John, on many hunting expeditions and scouting trips. I also learned at a young age how to trap, fish, and skin the game we brought home. To get right down to it, I was a prime example of a "tomboy", but I wasn't and am not ashamed of the fact. On the contrary, if I hadn't had been one, I wouldn't know what I do today about the outdoors, and I know a lot of character was built in those outings with my dad and brother.

I still love to be active in outdoor adventures, but lately I haven't been able to devote as much time to do so. I am, however, a member of the 4H Shooting Sports program, and I try to keep my shooting skills sharpened by staying up to par with my team.. This is my second year to be involved. Last year, our team was just getting started in competitive shooting, and we learned a lot while getting our feet on the ground.

I purchased my first compound bow last January. It's a 2005 Hoyt Rintec, and its my pride and joy! I entered my first archery competition a month after I got it, and placed 2nd . Our Shooting sports team went on to the State competitions in both June and July. I placed 9th in the first archery event in state, and the next month brought home 7th .

Last year, I also was able to go to the Arkansas 4H headquarters and after being trained, received my certification as an Archery Teen Leader. The competitions and training were great experiences for me personally, and I look forward to doing them again this year. A lot of time and work is involved to get prepared, but it is definitely worth it!

I was also able to get some actual bow hunting under my belt this past fall. I didn't bring anything home, but I did learn how NOT to shoot. Its a totally different experiences shooting 3D and shooting a live animal. I know that sounds obvious, but I witnessed it first hand last year, for the first time. I took a shot at a huge doe with my bow. Two things I did wrong. I underestimated the distance-something I have since been working on- and I shot down hill without compensating. I undershot by pity few inches, but those few inches made all the difference of having a successful hunt!

Other things I am also active in, is our church and the youth group. We have a great ministry there, and I love seeing the rewards that come from helping other people.

Some other things I enjoy doing include horseback riding, reading, writing, running and playing volleyball. Other things that interest me are bow-fishing, mounted shooting(shooting off horseback) and flying. I have looked into the Air Force and may possibly go to school to become an Officer.

Keep your powder dry, your arrows sharp, and happy hunting!