IOWA BOWHUNTER FALL 2024/WINTER 2025

IBA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT: KYLA MASON FALL ISSUE

Archery has always been an important part of my life. A big reason for this is my grandfather, David Mason, who was a longtime IBA member. Simply put, archery was his passion. He loved everything about archery, from hunting to teaching others about the sport. Archery was a passion that we bonded over. Throughout my childhood, we could go to shoots together and I would go hunting with him and my dad. Around my thirteenth birthday, he had me shooting his bow at the shoot. He wanted me to try it because it was the poundage that I would need if I were to begin bowhunting. When I shot his bow, I mad a perfect shot! Once we got back t o his care, he told me the bow was mine now, and that I could keep it. That was so meaningful and I was excited because it meant that I would finally be able to bowhunt with him. The next fall, I went bowhunting with him for the first time, and we hunted together wherever possible. I didn’t get a deer that season, but I didn’t care. IT was wonderful just to spend time with him and hear his stories, and I was excited to continue hunting with him the next year. I will never truly understand why it happened, but he passed away unexpectedly at the beginning of the next bow season. I was devastated. Not only did I lose a friend, but I realized that I would never get to see the smile on

his face whenever I got my first deer. It was very had to go hunting the rest of the season, but I knew he would want me to. I didn’t shoot a deer that year either. I ended up getting my first deer almost exactly a year after he had passed away. The moment was really special

because I had been looking forward to it for years. Although I was happy and excited, it was also bittersweet because my grandfather wasn’t there to experience the moment. I thought bout him a lot that day. I believe he was with me in spirit a d looking down with a huge smile. My grandfather taught me many lessons through archery and bowhunting throughout the years such as the gift of patience. Many times, I have seen deer, but they haven’t been in range or other circumstances didn’t lead to a shot. I have

learned that everything takes time and that I need to not rush tings and wait. Another thing that he taught me through bowhunting was that hunting isn’t only about getting the deer. Through bowhunting I’ve been able to learn the joy and tranquility of just sitting in the treestand. I no longer base the success of the hunt on whether or not I got a deer, but rather if I enjoyed the peacefulness of being in the woods and having the opportunity to truly enjoy nature.

10 IOWA BOWHUNTERS ASSOCIATION

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