In today’s busy world, it’s easy to quickly forget how much impact we have on our children.  We just seem to go on, day by day, with the daily grind, work, laundry,  homework, etc.  Because we are always outdoors with our kids, I sometimes forget the excitement of those who are just discovering the outdoors. But this trip reminded me what fun can be had.

As a member of the new Women Hunters Mentoring Program, I wanted to get my kids out on the water and give them, and myself, something to write a story about.  So with that in mind, I also convinced an old friend of mine to bring her family out with us on a late afternoon bowfishing outing.  We were bringing our two older kids along, Sawyer, 10 and Sierra, 8 and it took a little bit of convincing Julie to bring her two, Macie, age 7 and Marah, only 4, along for the adventure.  She was concerned that Marah wouldn’t sit still, but her husband Matt would be there, too, to help.  We all knew what we were getting into bringing the kids, four kids, so the adults all left our bows behind so that we could focus on them.

We put the boat on the water late.  The sun was on its way down and the carp were not cooperating.  However, little Marah quipped several times “I see a Stingray!”  (we’re in central Wisconsin, so how cute is that?)  We were able to spot a few fish, but they were very few and far between so it wasn’t long before sticks and weeds became fair game. 

Sawyer and Sierra were old pros, flinging their arrows at everything, but Macie and Marah (still seeing Stingrays) were first time archers, not to mention bowfishers.  They needed a bit more attention and instruction, but loved every minute of it; especially little wiggle-butt Marah.  She’s only 4 but she focused on every word I would tell her and did exactly as I said every time.  After she’d shot she’d squeal, “ I got a fishy!”  Then when her arrow would come up empty she’d say, “Oh, No fishy.” And nock her arrow and try again.  Every release came with a priceless smile.  She would’ve fished all night.

We spent a couple hours on the water, listened to the frogs in the marsh, spooked a beautiful Blue Heron out of the cattails and the kids shot arrows until they were too tired and ready for bed.  I think Marah could’ve gone all night.  (Look out Matt.)  A fast boat ride around the lake as the sun set, brought smiles to everyone as well.  “Go Faster!  Go Faster!” they all chanted.

Even though we didn’t get into any fish, we all had a great time.  Bowfishing with beginners again revitalized me.  Just the simple smiles and excitement with every shot was infectous.  I’m sure that we’ll be going out on the water again soon.  Hopefully, next time, the fish will cooperate.  I can’t wait for the excitement when one of the kids gets another carp, or when those two beginners get out there and arrow their first fish.

Get those kids out there!  Become a Mentor.  The rewards are Priceless!  What a way to end the day.