Editor’s Note: In 2019, Sandra Reulet of New York learned about the National Deer Association’s Field to Fork program through volunteers who were sharing venison samples at the Saratoga Farmer’s Market. One of the people she met there was NDA’s Senior Director of Conservation Matt Ross, who happened to be her neighbor. Sandra took her first deer, a doe, that fall on a Field to Fork hunt and has continued to hunt and find success since, taking several deer. Recently she sent Matt the photo above along with the following letter.
I was beyond thrilled to harvest a 9-point buck while hunting on my own this year! And I have to thank the National Deer Association’s Field to Fork program for making this possible.
I live on 60 acres of family land in New York that had been hunted for more than 100 years, and I yearned to become part of that tradition for a long time. Five years ago, NDA’s Field to Fork program offered me the perfect opportunity to learn what I needed to know, and in an expeditious manner. I had zero background knowledge, but I felt very welcomed into the program, and no question ever felt silly.
Field to Fork surpassed my expectations. It not only imparted knowledge regarding the “how to” of hunting, but there was also a heavy emphasis on hunting ethics and the reasons behind the rules and regulations. The mentors gave up so much of their time to help teach us, answer questions, and help us become comfortable with all aspects of hunting. This included hands-on experience field dressing, butchering the harvest, and sighting-in our rifles. Plus, the depth of knowledge was amazing – there were even certain aspects that were new to my husband, even though his family has hunted for many decades.
Moreover, the enthusiasm and passion for hunting, and the reasons why it is important to manage wildlife, actually radiated from our mentors and guest speakers – it had me leaning forward in my seat wanting to hear more. And the camaraderie aspect was a big surprise – a special aspect that I particularly appreciated, being partnered right from the start with a highly experienced mentor. I’m so grateful for the time that Colleen devoted walking and scouting our property, suggesting places for our trail-cameras, loaning me her blind, and even her daughter’s clothing! Plus, the countless hours spent in the blind, sharing stories, answering questions, getting to know each other, and watching her excitement each time we saw more deer.
One of my biggest fears was that I would not achieve a “good, clean shot.” I did not want to cause undue suffering. Plus, I was using Grandpa Reulet’s 6mm rifle which he handed down to our son. But at the Field to Fork hunt, when I finally took a shot and the doe just dropped in place, I was actually shaking with relief because it was a clean shot. What’s more, NDA’s Field to Fork volunteers provided help later that night with field-dressing! Then my husband and I processed the deer ourselves later that week, which I really believe adds to the entire hunting experience. To this day, we continue to process all of our harvests.
I was so excited after my first deer that I purchased a muzzleloader a week later so that I could extend my hunting season. I continue to share my enthusiasm, and I keep in touch with friends at the National Deer Association to let them know their program truly had a huge impact on me and my entire family.
