As someone who learned to hunt in the absence of communal experience and mentorship, I understand the trials of error, self-doubt, and sometimes overconfidence that can plague an inexperienced hunter. Having spent hundreds of hours peering into my phone’s screen, devouring YouTube videos with a side of hunter-forum banter, I felt ready for my first hunt. Determined, I spent that weekend hunting the closest and biggest swath of public land without an ounce of success. I figured – I was bigfooting through poorly scouted brambles looking for blacktail deer. Despite my destined failure, I had a blast and was hooked. 

Soon after, I discovered and joined Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. It felt comical. I had just spent months teaching myself to hunt on my own, and now I found out about a community of like-minded people. I was frustrated but so relieved. Not just as a hunter, but as an individual. I have moved six times since “COVID” entered our vocabulary and my local social network is mostly comprised of toddlers - so I talk to myself a lot. I not only now had a hunting community, but also peers, mentors, and most importantly, friends.  

My hunting journey has had its challenges, but it doesn’t have to be that way for everyone. Regardless of age, having a support group is vital for success and avoiding dismay and burnout. What’s a better way to convene such a group than friendly competition and hamburgers? 

The 2024 Armed Forces Initiative 3-D Archery Shoot took place at the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club on May 18 and 19 and drew a diverse crowd of participants. After registration, participants navigated the woods, arrowing 40 targets ranging from the typical fare of mule deer and elk to exotics such as giant cobra and mutated stag beetle. For those feeling competitive for a prize, the course also offered a moving elk and a long-range moose target. After completing the course, participants could have just turned in their scorecards and driven home – but the event planners had something else in mind – a social element.  

After a morning of shooting and competing, participants mingled between the campfire and the grill, sharing stories and memories. Volunteer Barrett Rambie observed from his post the age range and number of families involved. “That’s something that truly stood out to me - there were multiple families that were shooting with their kids… That’s how we keep traditions alive and thriving.”  

I smile enviously at that thought. The state’s communications lead, Mandy Carlstrom, echoes Barret’s sentiment, “It's very clear that the shoot was able to reach and engage new people to advocate for our public lands and heritage while also bringing them into the very special community that is BHA AFI.” 

Many hands make light work, the saying goes. As an internal program of BHA, AFI benefits from strong relationships with its local BHA state chapters.  

“On the state chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers level, we have been working to join forces on applicable projects around the state. Be that a conservation project, fundraising event, or policy issues and engagement,” states Clarence Rushing, one of the state’s Conservation & Policy Leaders. “It's great to gain the perspective and added horsepower of our active duty and veteran brethren.” Working together in this capacity, though a given, isn’t always enough.   

Leaders and volunteers within BHA and AFI have worked diligently to foster relationships that extend beyond the walls of BHA and AFI. Without sponsors and support from local businesses, events like the 3-D Archery Shoot would not succeed. Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club supported well beyond hosting and providing targets and amenities, and significant sponsorship came from O’Connell Archery. For Neal O’Connell, support is deeply personal. Neal’s father, a veteran, passed recently - “He instilled in me to take care of the veterans because they take care of you.” 

Neal’s words clarify the importance of such relationships and the mutuality of investing in those you care about. Without each other to lean on, we fall. I look forward to September, but I also look forward to introducing my sons to this community, to enable their curiosity for the outdoors and wildlife. No one knows what the future holds, but I do know that we’ll see you out there. 

Jacob Greenslade is a Marine Corps Veteran and Stay-at-Home Father. He has found a calling to conservation through the process of teaching himself to hunt. Currently, he and his family live in southwestern Washington where there is ample opportunity to enjoy nature. When he’s not busy tending to toddlers and cleaning food off the ceiling, Jacob is working to foster dialog around conservation through his photography and writing.