It seems everyday we hear more and more stories of hunter numbers declining across the nation. Sometimes we all wonder just “what” can be done to help get more kids involved for the overall future of our sport? This leads me to this interview.

   I met Keith Southern over at a hunting forum I visit quite often here in North Carolina. After reading several post and scanning through his website I couldn’t help but think how many people across this country could benefit from listening to Keith talk about his organization. I asked Keith to tell us a little history about Youth Outdoor Connection Inc. and here’s what he had to say.

   “Youth Outdoor Connection was founded by me, Keith Southern.  We officially got incorporated in October, 2006 and are currently celebrating our 1 year anniversary.

I’ve been hunting and fishing here in North Western North Carolina as far back as I can remember.  I’ve always wanted to share the great outdoors with others.  Once my son was old enough to start tagging along with me, I realized what I should do, provide free outdoor events to all kids regardless of wealth, disability, creed, national origin, religion, or any other reason.

I was lucky enough to get my wife and some friends together who share this vision with me and created our Board of Directors. 

We teach Hunter’s Education courses many times during the year and also teach a curriculum of Project WILD, which is a fun way to teach kids all about the outdoors, animal habitats, and much more.

We promote all legal and ethical outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, canoeing, camping, hiking, and sports activities just to name a few.  I also coach football and baseball for 5 - 8 year old. 

We are a non-profit organization and rely on sponsors and donations to keep running.  We are determined to provide our events and services at no cost.  Our board members work full time public jobs and volunteer their time to this organization.

We currently operate in North Carolina only, however our ultimate goal is to go nationwide.  We have plans to expand into Virginia, South Carolina, and Texas by next year.

We feel kids need to be hooked on the outdoors and they must be hooked early.  If the future of our heritage doesn’t participate, what does that say about our future?” Keith Southern

The last part of Keiths intro had me wanting to ask a few more questions in an attempt to help some readers figure out how to get involved with an organization such as Youth Outdoor Connection or others that may be available in their area. You can catch the rest of our interview on the next page.

 Below are a few of the questions I asked Keith about his organization.

Are the kids you’re working with primarily from Western NC or do you hold events in other parts of the state as well?

     Primarily it is kids near North Western NC , however we do have special needs kids that come from all over to hunt and fish with us.  We are working with different folks throughout NC to expand quickly through the state.  In the mean time we offer incentives for NC residents to take kids out hunting and fishing, such as offering to pay for their fishing license for a year if they send us a picture of them taking a kid out.

   Is this an organization where parents drop off the kids for the day of the event or do you provide activities for adults as well?

    We do not provide any services for adults, but we encourage the parents to stay and become involved in their child’s activities.  It’s all about family with us.

    Like any other organization, I’m sure Youth Outdoors could use help volunteering. If someone wanted to become a volunteer, what are some of the things they would be involved in?

    They could bait hooks, net fish, guide hunts for youth, help with fundraising, just about everything and have fun while doing it.

 You mentioned wanting to go nationwide with this program in the future. Is there anything someone from outside North Carolina can do to help with Youth Outdoor Connection?

     Yes.  Currently we are looking for folks in other states to become our State Director’s.  That person would be responsible for raising enough funds to sustain themselves in that state, provide free hunting/fishing events for kids, become an I.H.E.A. certified instructor, and be willing to basically become a full time volunteer.  (IHEA is International Hunter’s Education Association.)

   One last question for you Keith. Tell me what its like seeing a child enjoy the outdoors knowing that had it not been for this program, there’s a good chance that they would’ve never been given a chance to take their first deer, or catch their first fish.

    I wish I could describe it.  If you hunt you know that heart-sinking, gut-wrenching jolt that goes through you when that once in a lifetime buck walks out, your body shaking from excitement and adrenaline; its way better than that!!

       Anything else we may have missed here that you think our readers should hear?

   Yes.  You don’t have to be part of an organization to get out there a mentor a kid.  Make it one of your top goals this year to take a kid outdoors!  It doesn’t have to be hunting or fishing there are many numerous outdoor activities throughout NC and I’m sure your state as well, just pick one!

   I’d like to thank Keith for taking the time to do this short interview with me and if anyone is interested in any of the services Youth Outdoor Connection provides, you can reach Keith by email at info@youthoutside.org and everyone be sure to check out their website .