Kansas One Shot Turkey Hunt essay winner

"I believe everyone's life would be different if they could experience hunting like I have," said Addy York, 18, winner of the 2009 Kansas One Shot Turkey Hunt Essay Contest. Her winning words told how hunting has taught her confidence, respect, discipline, patience and responsibility. They also won her and her dad an all-expenses-paid hunt in El Dorado, Kan.

Addy was born with Vater association, which meant she endured back surgeries throughout her childhood. It was when she killed her first big deer that the teen from Cookeville, Tenn., finally believed she could "do things just as well as others her age."

Addy's physical challenges are exceptional, but her essay also talked about life lessons that resonate with any young hunter, like waking up early for a hunt so as not to disappoint her dad, waiting patiently in a blind for hours, responsibly handling her firearm and respecting wildlife and others in the field.

"Addy's essay stood out as a winner, because she made it personal," said JAKES National Coordinator Mandy Harling. "Not only did she explain how others would benefit from time in the woods, she told us how she has grown as a person because of hunting."

The next leg of Addy's hunting journey began as she boarded a plane for the first time, headed to El Dorado. Although she didn't bag a turkey on the hunt, the determination she has carried throughout life still remained; she told a reporter for The Wichita Eagle that she's ready to go after an elk, then a moose.

"Patience is waiting for that one perfect shot," said Addy in her essay. "[And patience] is necessary in one's life to be successful."

Perhaps Addy can teach us all a thing or two about hunting — and life. — Karen Lee

Your teen could be the next winner!

Write an essay following these guidelines for a shot to attend the 25th Kansas Governor's One Shot Turkey Hunt.

This year's essay subject is: If you lived in a state where you were prohibited from hunting, how would you convince your legislatures to allow youth hunting?

Guidelines

Essays must be 500 words or less.
All entrants must be a JAKES or Xtreme JAKES member.
All entrants must include a copy of their current hunter safety certification.
Entrants must be between 12 and 17 years old.
All entries must be neat and easy to read.
All entries must have a title page with name, address and phone number.
All entries must include a photo of the entrant suitable for publication (such as a school photo).
All entries must be postmarked by Dec. 1, 2010.

The prize includes hotel, airfare and expenses for the winning JAKES member and an adult chaperone.

Send entries to:

NWTF
Attention: Kansas Essay Contest
P.O. Box 530
Edgefield, SC 29824