Tavey's First Hunt by Headline Books / Zoom Into Books

For many boys and girls, the opening day of the hunting season is very exciting! Tavey is finally old enough to hunt, along with an adult. Tavey’s dad, a multi-generational sportsman, lovingly guides his son through much more than just hunting. Through the larger canvas of the natural world, Tavey truly discovers a lifetime passion, but in an unexpected way. “Despite its title, this is not really a book about hunting. It’s about accepting differences between us. This is a beautiful book of fathers and sons who may not agree but still find their way to mutual respect and love.” —Homer Hickam, author of Rocket Boys/October Sky

TAVEY’S FIRST HUNT

“Tavey’s First Hunt is a nostalgic reminder of the gift of conversation. A story about fathers and sons; family, forged outside of bloodlines. It’s about how each human, along with every animal, is but a single part of an exponentially larger whole.” —Book reviews by J.V Poore for Goodreads “A charming story that respects our outdoor heritage and captures the wonder of a boy's first hunting trip with his father. But Tavey learns a person can respect traditions without being limited by them. In the end, Tavey's walk in the woods reveals a path, not only for himself, but for generations who follow. —Robert Saunders Charleston Gazette-Mail “Outdoor Pursuits”

Daniel Boyd

Daniel Boyd is an acclaimed filmmaker (Chillers, Strangest Dreams, Paradise Park), a two-time television regional Emmy nominee, a multi-nominated graphic novelist (Chillers I & II, CARBON, SALT, and playwright (Paradise Park the Musical, Space Preachers the Musical, Miss Dirt Turtle’s Garden Club Musical.) The Adventures of Wandala and Miss Dirt Turtle’s Garden Club (NGIBA Finalist) are both Gold Mom's Choice Award Winners. A retired media studies professor at West Virginia State University, Boyd also taught around the world including in Tanzania as a three-time Fulbright scholar. He recently retired as Artist in Residence at WV State University’s Economic Development Center.

illustrated by

Daniel Boyd Hector Mexia

TAVEY’S FIRST HUNT Daniel Boyd illustrated by

Hector Mexia

Tavey’s First Hunt by Daniel Boyd illustrated by Hector Mexia copyright ©2023 Daniel Boyd All rights reserved. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents, except where noted otherwise, are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any other resemblance to actual people, places or events is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form or for any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage system, without written permission from Headline Books. To order additional copies of this book, or for book publishing information, or to contact the author: Headline Kids P. O. Box 52 Terra Alta, WV 26764 Email: mybook@headlinebooks.com www.headlinebooks.com Lucas Kelly—Design/Layout Published by Headline Books Headline Kids is an imprint of Headline Books ISBN-13: 9781951556983 Library of Congress Control Number: 2022942210

PR I N T E D I N T H E U N I T E D STAT E S OF A M E R IC A

Dedicated to my late father, Ned Boyd, and his fellow founding members of the Posey Hollow Gun Club. They are now back together in the Happy Hunting Ground in the sky.

1 “Looks like you’re ready,” Tavey’s dad said, smiling at the target behind their hunting cabin. “You’ve become a very good shot, son.” Tavey smiled proudly, holding the .22 caliber rifle downward as he learned. It was the same small rifle his dad had used when he was first allowed to hunt. And his dad before that. State law said the earliest age to hunt was eight years old, and then only with a licensed adult. Tavey’s birthday came just in time for fall hunting season. He was so excited about his first hunt! Tavey had walked through that mountain with his father for as long as he could remember, but now he was finally old enough to hunt legally. He loved that time with his dad, who taught him about firearm safety while explaining the delicate balance between man and nature. His father would patiently point out which animals they could hunt and when it was allowed. To properly manage animal populations, certain seasons were allocated for different animals, his father would explain. It was important not to overhunt to keep a proper balance of game.

Hunting was a sport, he explained, but it was also a way of providing food for the families. And it gave money to State economies through hunting and fishing license fees. Most importantly, he told Tavey, “Hunting on this mountain was not a Right, it was a Privilege.” Tavy was so excited to know that he would be able to carry the rifle the next morning. By regulation, when teaching a child to hunt, only one could carry a firearm. This was to focus totally on the safety of the young sportsperson. And with tomorrow the first day of the squirrel season 1971, it was finally Tavey’s turn!

2 “Let’s hike the mountain before we hunt tomorrow,” Tavey’s dad suggested. The boy nodded with a big smile. “But first, I have something for you,” his father added. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a brand-new compass and handed it to his son. Tavey was excited even though he did not understand the numbers, dials, and needle centered on the faceplate. “Wow,” the boy said. “Will you show me how it works?” “You betcha,” his dad smiled. He added, “It’s not as complicated as you might think. And that simple little device can really help you out if needed.” Now really curious, Tavey asked, “How?” The elder pointed up to the mountain above their cabin. “When you get older, you will be allowed to hunt alone. By law, you must be out of the woods with a loaded gun by dark. If you are like my friends and me, you will want to wait as long as you can. After you safely unload your rifle, it will sometimes be night when you walk back. It can be easy to lose your way. Even in the daylight, the further you go into the woods, the easier it is to lose your bearings. The ridges twist and turn in 9

ways you would never imagine. During the day, you can always generally find your way by the sun’s movement, East to West. It shifts a little as each month passes, but if you pay attention to where you start, you can always find your general direction. But when it’s dark, or even very cloudy, this simple tool will guide you home.” The boy marveled at the device in his hand – So simple yet seeming so complex for his young mind. His father gently guided Tavey’s hand, “The red arrow always points to the North.” Tavey found North on the dial, “Now what?” he asked. “The outer dial shows the DOT, the direction-oftravel arrow,” his dad added. “Turn it to where we are now, keep it there and then we can find our way back if we need to.” “Cool” again was all Tavey could think to say.

3 As Tavey had been taught, he and his dad walked quietly through the forest, careful not to disturb the animals. Through their many walks over the years, Tavey had learned where to watch and what to listen for. As the law required, both wore blaze orange. That was the best color so that other hunters could see you, avoiding possible accidents in the woods. As they walked into the mountain, Tavey quietly asked, “I understand why there are hunting laws, but who decides what can be hunted and when?” “Back in the 1800s, there were no regulations. Without laws, many game animals were hunted to near extinction. Our laws now protect both animals and people. Law enforcement by the U.S. Department of Natural Resources watches over hunting with agents who make sure “Fair Chase” laws are observed – which animals can be hunted and how many can be taken, determined by their population and mating seasons.” “I get how that protects our wildlife, but the hunters?” Tavey asked. “You would not see it with our hunting club members here, but some hunters do not obey the laws that endanger 11

both the wildlife and the hunters. Many hunters and even non-hunters who just enjoy being in the ‘outdoors’ are accidentally shot by careless hunters,” Tavey’s father explained. “There are some people who believe that hunting should not be allowed. Laws and regulations help ensure that hunting is both safe and ethical,” he continued. “Animals have rights. Their populations need to be managed to keep the right balance. Too many of a species can upset a healthy wildlife balance; too few will do the same. But in hunting, they must be hunted and harvested in an ethical manner.” Tavey was confused, “Harvested… ethical?” “Harvesting is taking the life of legal game animals.” Tavey’s dad continued, “We are all animals, Tavey, and ethical treatment is deserved for all species.” Tavey was trying to process this, “How do we hunt ethically?” The elder continued, “Mostly by obeying the laws and regulations. And lots of other things, like never take a shot from so far away that you are not certain you can shoot in that range so as to not risk wounding a suffering animal. Always remember that all life is precious. Native Americans have a ritual of thanking the animal they have taken. Thanking them for giving them and their people nourishment. When I take a game animal, I silently do the same.” “Like saying grace,” Tavey reasoned. “In a way. It is a way of giving thanks.” Tavey’s father said.

4 Tavey thought about this as they climbed higher into the mountain. He stopped when he noticed something sparkling off the sunlight on the trail. He picked up a rock, turning it around. “What is it, Tavey?” his father asked. “Sandstone. The sparkles are quartz crystals.” The boy was fond of rocks. He bought a book on how to identify different rocks and minerals from his school book fair. He recently had begun to collect the unique ones around him. He especially liked the fossils that he had found while hiking. He learned these were permanent records of ancient plants, animals, and fish from millions of years ago. Long before Man existed, these pre-historic imprints were preserved under extreme pressure in the forming rocks. He planned to enter his collection in the 4-H county Youth Fair next year when he was old enough to fully join. Already a Cloverbud member in his small community’s 4-H club, next year, he would be old enough to be a full member and get to do all things the 4-H big kids got to do. Tavey’s family lived in a small subdivision surrounded by farms. Most of his friends in the club were into 15

agriculture and livestock, but Tavey was into rocks. For the annual fair, most would enter their prize animals and farm produce, but Tavey would enter his rock collection in the “Hobbies” category. “You going to save that one for your collection?” his dad asked. “I think I will,” the boy replied as he put it in his hunting jacket pocket. Tavey returned his thoughts to the hunting rules and reasons for regulations his father had been explaining. “I understand the reason for law enforcement for hunting, but who decides what and when we can hunt which animals?” His dad thought for a moment. “Mostly scientists.” “Scientists?” Tavey asked in surprise. Dad answered his confused son, “Wildlife Biologists and Zoologists. These are the scientists who study animals – their habits and changes. Along with how they are affected by human interactions.” “Scientists, huh,” Tavey said, still trying to process. “Son, there are many different kinds of scientists.” Tavey’s dad continued to explain. “What’s in your pocket?” he asked. Tavey answered, “Just a rock.” “There are scientists who study rocks. They are called Geologists. When you grow up, and if you are still interested, you may want to study to become one.” “Wow, a rock scientist. Cool!” Tavey said. His father smiled, “Everything can be studied on our planet. You can be whatever you want.” Tavey liked that thought.

5 They had nearly reached the top of their mountain. On all his hikes, Tavey never remembered being that deep into the forest. Tavey’s dad stopped and looked back down the mountain they had just hiked. Tavey watched his father as he took a big breath of the mountain air and just stared at where they were. He seemed very content, almost smiling. As the moments passed, Tavey became a little concerned. He finally asked, “You okay, Dad?” Breaking his concentration, he turned to his son with a smile, “Never been better, son.” “What are you doing?” Tavey asked. “Just taking a picture. A beautiful picture.” Confused, Tavey said, “But… you don’t have a camera.” Tavey’s father pointed to his head and then placed his hand on his heart. “I’m taking a picture here of this beautiful day with you, right here in this beautiful place and time. Sometimes we are in such a hurry to get to the next thing, we don’t take the time to record the wonderful moments we are in now. I try to remember these when I want to pull up good memories. The pictures I want to save forever.” 17

“Can I do it?” Tavey asked. “Sure you can.” His father replied. Tavey took a long breath and then looked down the mountain. He tried to think about all that he had seen and all he had thought about that day. And then he thought about the very moment he was in, recording it mentally. Tavey’s dad asked, “Did you take a nice picture?” Tavey nodded yes with a smile. “It will be dark in about an hour. We better head back.” Tavey’s father finally said. “Good idea. I’m hungry!” Tavey added. He was thinking about the sub sandwiches they had bought at the country store before they drove up the mountain. But his father did not move. “I’m ready, Dad,” Tavey said. “Then lead the way.” His father replied. Tavey began to panic, realizing his father was asking him to find their way back. He was beginning to say that he did not think he could… but then he remembered. He reached in his pocket and pulled out his brand-new compass. He found North on the direction and lined up the direction-oftravel arrow he had set before they left the cabin. Once he was sure of the position, Tavey pointed, “This way.” “Lead away, buddy.” Tavey’s father said. And so, he did. After what felt like a long way, the sun was now dropping and Tavey began to worry. Maybe his directions were wrong. They should be back now. Tavey dropped his head, “Sorry, Dad.” When he looked up, his father was smiling. Tavey thought he would see disappointment, but instead, his father pointed a short distance from where they stood. Tavey followed the direction and right there was their cabin! “Atta boy!” Tavey’s father said, giving him a hug. Tavey felt so proud. 20

6 Tavey always loved going to their cabin. His father and his hunting friends were children of the Great Depression of the 1930s. With fewer recreational activities than now, they loved to hunt. Not only was it fun, but the game they caught also put food on the table for their struggling families. When they came of age, they all joined the military, fighting in World War II and Korea. When they returned home to start jobs and families, they then reached for the American Dream: buying their own homes. As work and family obligations grew, the men had less time to hunt. With the economy growing, much of the land where they used to walk to hunt was being developed for homes and businesses. Having to travel further and further to legally hunt, they began to dream of having their own place. In the late 1950s, a few of his friends found a property for sale on Sleepy Creek Mountain, less than an hour from their homes. They bought the 80-acre lot that bordered the public Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, thus adding some 20,000 more acres to legally hunt and fish. From their blue-collar jobs, the 15 friends were somehow able to obtain a bank loan and purchase the property. 21

In short order, they improved the primitive one-room cabin on the property. The cabin had no power or water. The men dug a well and paid to have power brought up to their mountain home. With their very hands, the men built a bunk room, kitchen, and dining room. To young Tavey, the place unfolded like he thought Disneyland would. He was in heaven there. The club had become an extended family. Tavey thought of his father’s partners as uncles and their sons as his cousins. A true loving tradition developed in that special place. As they ate their subs and cheese crackers in the cabin dining room, Tavey’s father explained that no one owns the wildlife. It is held in trust as a resource for the benefit of all people. “We are just the caretakers.” the elder explained. Even in his young mind, Tavey thought this was very special. Now time to go to bed; Tavey crawled into his sleeping bag on the top bunk above his father’s. “Sleep tight, pal,” Tavey’s dad said as he turned out the lamp beside their bunk. “Nite, Dad,” Tavey replied. But he knew he would not sleep tight because he was so anxious for the next special morning.

7 After breakfast, they dressed in their blaze orange and stepped into the crisp cool morning that surrounded the mountain. Tavey’s father watched as Tavey carefully loaded the single-shot 22 rifle as he had been taught. When Tavey looked up, his father nodded his approval with a smile. After walking into the forest, Tavey’s dad quietly stopped the boy and pointed to a small clearing. With wonder, Tavey watched a flock of bobwhite quail eating seeds in the wild grasses. Quail tasted good, but it was not their season to be hunted yet. Later that day, they saw rabbits and even the most prized game bird in their region – turkeys. Tavey marveled at all the animals. They were all majestic in each of their own unique ways, he thought. But none of these were in season to hunt yet. Further into the woods, Tavey stopped his dad and pointed. The man followed his son’s gaze to see two deer, a buck and a doe, grazing in the forest cover. Both watched in amazement, Tavey’s father so proud it was his son who had first noticed. Deer were the most valuable game here, but they would not be in season for a rifle until the week before Thanksgiving. 24

How lucky they felt about the variety of animals they saw, just in one day! But as the hunting day was beginning to end, the law required loaded guns be out of the woods by dark and they still had not found their prey. And that was strange as squirrels were usually the most common animals in these woods. Heading in the direction of their cabin, Tavey’s dad paused and pointed up. Right there, Tavey saw a big gray squirrel on the branch above. As he had been taught, Tavey slowly raised the rifle and sighted the animal. He had a perfect shot. As he looked up the sight, he was not afraid or nervous. He was… fascinated, watching as the animal meticulously chewed on an acorn with fast precision. Tavy did not shoot because he was enjoying watching. Finally, the squirrel noticed the humans and scurried away out of sight. Tavey had missed his first chance to shoot an animal. As father and son walked back to the cabin, Tavey wondered if his dad would be mad at him. Had he let his father down? But Tavey’s dad showed no emotion, content in the nature around him. At the cabin, they found that some of Tavey’s father’s friends had arrived to spend the weekend at their communal cabin. And some had brought their kids, all around Tavey’s age. Tavey liked them all. They were his hunting club family. After the greeting, Tavey’s father took his son to the side. “I thought you would be more excited,” he said. “You okay, buddy?” he gently asked the boy. Finally, Tavey said, “Dad, would it be okay if I did not hunt? I don’t think there is anything wrong with it. It just doesn’t feel right for me.” He quickly added, “Not right now anyway. I may change my mind later.”

Tavey’s dad smiled and put a hand on the boy’s shoulder, “Of course it’s okay. That is totally up to you. Until whenever, or if ever.” “Will the others make fun of me?” concerned, Tavey asked. “As long as you are happy, we are happy. This is our place for whatever brings us joy,” he reassured the boy. This made Tavey very happy, as he so loved this place and the people.

8 But Tavey would hunt the next year. Not with a rifle, but with a camera. As he grew older, he became a skilled wildlife photographer. His extended hunting family loved Tavey’s photos, impressed with his photography skills, but more for his ability to get incredible views of the wildlife. Tavey knew wildlife. As Tavey grew older, he understood that hunting and photography were a lot alike. Both were solitary activities, where alone, you had to learn to be patient and observant to all that was above and below. But when he returned to his cabin mates from their hunts, it was “communal”– each sharing their experiences of the day. *** When Tavey’s son came of legal age, he would hunt. And starting with that same rifle that had been passed down through the family. And Tavey was just fine with that, telling his son, “As long as you are happy, we are happy.” Both continued to hunt together for the years to come. The son with a rifle, the father with his camera. The End 32

TAVEY’S FIRST HUNT

Daniel Boyd

illustrated by

Daniel Boyd Hector Mexia