Personal Narrative: My First Hunting Experience

Growing up in Thurmont, Maryland, near the Catoctin Mountain National Parks and Cunningham Falls State Park, I was always considered an outdoor kid. My parents got me interested in hunting and fishing at an early age. Hunting became my true passion since my first hunting experience at the age of nine. I have also continued my interest of the outdoors by learning to shoot competitively, I began to shoot trap at the age of 13. Through many practices and competitions, my shooting ability has greatly improved and I am currently a nationally-ranked competitive youth trap, skeet, and sporting clays shooter. I have been able to travel to several different states to compete. Competing in different states has allowed to me learn different laws and regulations of these states and how they help protect the outdoors.
During my first semester of college at Mount St. Mary’s University, I joined a group called Outdoor Adventures. Through this group, I have been gaining leadership experience and experience in outdoor activities. I have learned technical skills such as caving, canoeing, rock climbing, backpacking, and stand-up paddle boarding. But I have also learned how to facilitate a group through a challenge course, plan a trip, how
I am currently continuing my education at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Spanish. By continuing my education, I will become a more desirable candidate in the competitive job market of law enforcement. My desired career is to become a Natural Resources Police Officer within the State of Maryland. This job will entail me to work with the Department of Natural Resources to communicate with the public about local laws and regulations regarding hunting, fishing, and boating. I would also help to conserve the land and environment in our