Being back in the roll of president of our great club is quite an honor and one that calls for a significant measure of gratitude to all of you that put your faith and support in all of our elected board. Thank you KYSCI! Furthermore many, many, thanks to our officers and our board of directors that continue to harness the synergism of our coming together as hunters, conservationist and caring sportsmen and women that yields so many worthwhile projects.

Already this year we have held another hugely successful youth and apprentice event that produced more than 30 "hunter safety certified" young people and advanced another 15 through our apprentice program moving them all closer to their goal to safely and passionately join us afield.

The youth program is a fine example of what we can accomplish as a group and has become one of our flagships. Instructional venues include; gun and outdoor safety, big game anatomy, shotgun, rifle, archery, scouting and game identification, tracking, blood trailing and new for this year muzzle loading, plus delicious meals, and plenty of supervision for the energetic youngsters! Thanks so much to all that pitch in! I have heard from many of the youngsters and their parents and can assure you that; our generosity and love of the outdoors had lasting impressions on our young guests.

While we are on the subject of coming together and pitching in; every couple years we review and renew committee appointments. Every member has something to offer KYSCI and realizing that we are all very busy people, we strive to not ask for more than you can afford to give, but please consider serving in some capacity on some committee! Talk with one of our board members to find out how you can be involved.

Speaking of our Board, our board meetings are open to all members and here again I believe you all have something to offer KYSCI. To help plan we have continued our practice to hold board meetings on the first Tuesday of each physical quarter. Webmaster extraordinaire, Jim Gladden, posts our meetings and other events on our website, check it often for updates and put us on your calendars and into your plans!

We also strive to publish our upcoming events in our ever popular and award winning; KYSCI Hunter Magazine. It is just that due to the wide array of contributions of our members. Here again you can help. Somewhere in your past, present or future aspirations of hunts and outdoor experiences there is something we are all eager to hear or read about. Please share them with us. Our readership enjoys all writing styles, and vernacular, and if you feel the need several of our Hunter Magazine committee members are happy to assist with editing suggestions.

So in summation; consider our chapter your hunting base camp. Don't stand in the shadows, feel free to poke the fire, reminisce of the days past and plan tomorrows adventure, help chop the wood, check the tent ropes or give the wranglers or cook a hand, it is being a part of the full experience that makes for the most memorable times!

Yours Afield
Mike Ohlmann