IT’S WHO I AM
Written By: Joella Bates
Shooting archery and hunting are more than obsessions for me; they are an integral part of my life. My life has been spent focusing on outdoor activities and conservation. During my 46 years of life, much of my time has been spent being both formally and informally gaining an education related to hunting and fishing. Most of the last 19 years have been heavily influenced by my participation in archery and bowhunting activities. I have taken my passion for this outdoors-lifestyle and the education that I have acquired and consequently devoted my life and career to promoting and perpetuating the outdoor and hunting heritages.
Let me introduce myself. My passion for the outdoor-lifestyle started way back in my childhood.
“I’ve been blessed. In the early 1980’s, I met a speaker at 4-H Wildlife Conference in Milan, Tennessee. He was an anti-hunter. The longer he talked the more upset I got. When he opened the floor for questions, I stood to talk. I was shaking like I had buck fever; and as I began to speak, my voice quivered and tears rolled uncontrollably down my cheeks. Anti-hunters work on emotions and mine were certainly flowing. The audience revolted against the speaker. Some of the kids even threw things at him. That day, I realized how important the privilege to hunt was to me and vowed to take a stance for hunting.”
“I dreamed of being a wildlife-professional. Several years later, I saw the anti-hunter impostor again. This time, he was the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Area 11 law enforcement assistant supervisor. I had just been hired as a wildlife officer and he was my boss. We recognized each other then hugged and laughed. We both knew that his presentation had worked. I was and still am protecting and passing on the hunting heritage.”
Today, I wear many hats as I promote hunting, fishing, shooting, and outdoor adventure. I am using my education and outdoor experience from my 46 years of life to inspire others.
It is with great excitement that I join the staff and endeavor to fulfill the mission of huntinglife-com.huntinglife.com – missions and passions that we all share. I am honored to be invited to join Kevin Paulson on his pro staff and in the generation of new business for his company.
Working with huntinglife-com.huntinglife.com allows me to help share the conservation message necessary to perpetuate this outdoor lifestyle that is so dear to me and many of you as well. I will continue to recruit and inspire youngsters, women, and men to share the wonders of the outdoors with the people that are important in your life. It is about the hunt, but at the same time, the time shared enjoying the hunt is much bigger that the actual hunt culmination that ends with a kill.
It is with great pleasure that I begin sharing with you my outdoor passions.
Until next time, keep shooting straight and dreaming big!!!!
Joella
