Project 4 Draft (Piece of non-fiction)

Questions with Sportsman Ronald York

Hunter Ronald York was born in Billings, Montana. He grew up in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Mr. York is now a real estate developer living in Alva, Florida. He has been an avid hunter for most of his life and is an all around sportsman. He will now answer 8 Questions asked by our avid readers.

What started your passion for hunting?

Well, the fact that my father, uncle, and older brothers were hunters, I guess. I grew up in the Rocky Mountains where hunting was a way of life as well as a way to provide quality meat for the family.

How old were you when you started hunting?

Well, I went on my first few hunts without a weapon when I was nine or ten, just to observe the hunt and not participate. I actually started hunting with a weapon at the age of twelve.

What is your favorite animal to hunt for and why?

The "Rocky Mountain Elk" would have to be my favorite. I love to hunt to hunt for it because it is one of the most majestic, graceful, illusive, challenging, and beautiful the creatures that God created.

How would you handle critics of hunting, or people who do not believe in the killing of wild animals?

They do not have to, I will do it for them. I would not want everyone out hunting because it would ruin the sport. We just need people who truly have a passion for hunting.

How have you seen hunting change over the last few decades?

It is no longer a right, it has become a privilege. It is really becoming more and more difficult to find a place to hunt.

What weapon do you prefer to use when you go on a hunt and why?

I prefer bow hunting, which is known as archery or hunting with a bow and arrow because I have hunted with every other type of weapon. I like the challenges that this type of hunting can bring about, I also like having to adjust to the weather and wind changes. Another plus is that I have to deal with a lot less hunters.

Who would you say inspired you to start bow hunting?

My brother, Dave because he started bow hunting twenty years before me. I wanted to learn how to bow hunt so I could spend more time with him doing something we both enjoy.

Do you have any helpful advice for the fellow bow hunter?

Shoot straight, be patient, practice without becoming tired of practice, and always expect the unexpected.

To hear more from Sportsman Ronald York, subscribe to next weeks addition of "The Rock", and read his answers to many interesting questions about the sport of fishing.

Project 4 Draft (Piece of fiction)

"The Fly fishing Expedition"

The sun was just rising over the vast mountains. The air was crisp and I could feel the cool breeze as it blew passed my Uncle Mike and I when we were walking through a grassy field. I clutched that rod in my hand tightly as we made our way towards the stream with rushing water loaded with rainbow trout.

I was starting to get tired from the long journey and asked, "Uncle Mike, How much longer till we reach this stream?" He said, "Ryan just keep walking we are almost there." So, I just shut my mouth and kept my legs moving.

Then, before I knew it we reached our destination. The stream was exactly what I dreamed it would be. The trout were furiously feeding on bugs and flies as they fell upon the fresh water of the stream. "Are they all rainbow trout?" I asked. "No, some are brown and brook trout, but we are looking for the prized catch of a monster rainbow," Uncle Mike told me.

So, we set out to accomplish our goal of catching that monster rainbow. As a reminder, Uncle Mike said, " The key to fly fishing is the cast." This made me a little nervous considering I did not know how to cast a fly rod at all. So, I asked, "Can you teach me how to cast Uncle Mike?"

"Of course I will teach you, and don't worry you will be casting like a pro in no time," he said.

I watched his every move a he made a perfect cast every time. With each cast the fly would lay perfectly on top of the water and he would have a fish on. But for some reason I just could not get the hang of the whole casting thing. I kept practicing and practicing, but I just could not get the fly to stay in the air and then lay on the water. Uncle Mike could tell I was getting frustrated and said, "Here Ryan, you can fight the fish after I get one on." I said, "That sounds good, thanks Uncle Mike." He said, "Sure buddy, I would be happy to help you out."

So, Uncle Mike let me catch five fish in a row, but I was not satisfied since I really didn't catch them by myself. At this point, I knew nothing would make me happy until I caught a big rainbow on my own. I said, "Uncle Mike, I'm going to go down stream and see if I will have better luck over there." He said, "Just be careful, and go catch a monster!"

I was on my way down the river, and I just kept a positive attitude and knew I would catch a big boy. I found a perfect opening where I could wade in the cool fresh water. I could feel the current as the water rushed into my legs. I saw many rainbow trout swim vigorously passed me, and I visualized one of the monsters eating my fly after I made the perfect cast.

I started to work on my casting for a little while. Suddenly, everything clicked and my fly was lying on the water looking like a delicious snack for my trophy rainbow. I watched as the fish decided to eat the fly and hit it with such force, it was incredible. I immediately yelled, "Fish on!" The rainbow put up a good fight, but I won in the end. I grabbed the fish with my hands and just took a moment to observe the beauty of this fish. The vibrant colors were truly eye opening. I knew there was no chance to show the fish to Uncle Mike because he was to far down stream. So, I took one more moment to realize what I had just accomplished, and then let the fish swim free again in the stream. I knew catch and release was the best thing to do with my trophy rainbow.

Then, I ran back to my Uncle Mike and told him the fantastic news. He said, " I always had faith you would learn the skill on your own and catch a rewarding trophy rainbow trout." I said, "Ya, but it is all thanks to you!" So, Uncle Mike and I ended our day of fishing on that positive note, and I know I will never forget that day.