Last year, my son, Zach (16), was looking for somewhere here in LC to turkey hunt. After several weeks of him knocking on property owners’ doors and asking for permission without any luck, I posted on a local Facebook page for him. Paul responded that he had an org called Loudoun County Deer Management which has a Youth & Guest Hunting program. He offered to take Zach out turkey hunting on Youth Day, when kids 16 and under are allowed to turkey hunt with an adult before turkey season opens.

On Youth Day Zach would have to drive himself from Purcellville to be at Paul’s house in Leesburg at 5:30am. Paul arranged for Zach to come to his house earlier in the week so he would be familiar with the route and so they could meet in the daylight. That day a friendship formed that I’m confident will last a long time!

Zach is an experienced deer hunter, but had never turkey hunted. He was thinking he would just teach himself with YouTube videos! Zach now realizes how impossible that would have been! Since that first youth hunt, Zach has been hooked! Paul has taken the time to mentor and guide Zach through several hunts. After the hunts, they all go out to breakfast and share stories. Though Zach is the younger, he is always made to feel welcome. Paul includes him when the members get together to prepare the properties for the season and hang tree stands. He shares pictures from the trail cameras and details about the members’ hunts. When turkey season ended, Paul took Zach deer and coyote hunting.

Zach’s enthusiasm to learn about turkey hunting has turned into what I know will be a lifelong passion all because LCDM generously took him under their wing. Paul is obviously committed to sharing his joy of hunting with the local youth and community. We are extremely grateful for the time and experience Paul and the members of LCDM have shared with Zach, and hope Zach’s experience will encourage others to follow their passions.