My name is Tauna Luke. I have been involved with the outdoors for as long as I can remember. I started hunting and fishing when I was six years old. I am now twenty-three with  hunting and fishing still being a big part of my life. My family always kept me active in outdoor activities while growing up.

     My father is probably the biggest outdoorsman I know. He has taught me everything I know about hunting and still to this day inspires me to become a better hunter. He took me on my first hunt when I was 6 years old. We were in Victoria, Tx on an alligator hunt and all I could shoot was a 22. This was a very exciting, yet frightening hunt for me. I will never forget the feeling I had while getting close enough to make that shot. My only target with that gun was right between the alligator’s eyes.

      The first time I went fishing was with my grandparents at a catfish pond in Canyon Lake, Tx. They also took me crappie fishing when I was a kid in Lake Fork, Tx every summer! I was hooked and I still to this day freshwater fish as much as possible. My favorite type of freshwater fishing is large mouth bass fishing, which is something I started doing on my own when I was about thirteen.

      My first saltwater fishing trip was with my mother in Rock Port, Tx. We were guided by a close family friend. We caught redfish and trout. Here I learned the difference between freshwater and saltwater fishing. Do not set your hook on a redfish like you do a bass. You will never hear the end of it!

      Today my favorite thing about hunting and fishing would have to be the learning part of it. I look for ways to improve my fishing and hunting skills every time I get the opportunity to do so. I enjoy the fact that I always have something to look forward to through out the whole year by participating in these activities.

     As most fishermen know, fishing requires a lot of patience, and interest. With fishing I am constantly trying to learn what to fish with according to the time of day and year. It all comes down to a lot of detail. The depth, temperature, and location determine what baits and lures you fish with, what colors to use, and how you fish with them. Hard baits, soft plastics, buzz baits, spinner baits, jigs, spoons, etc. No matter how often I go, it seems as if it's different almost every time! That's what I love about it.

       When I was younger the only way I knew how to hunt was by sitting in a deer stand watching a feeder. As I've gotten older I have found that hunting that way takes a lot of fun and excitement out of the entire experience. Once you hunt in the mountains of Wyoming with your only transportation being horseback and  your own two feet, hunting changes for you. Especially when you discover the true challenge of a hunt. I do not find the thrill in hunting over corn after that experience.

         Hunting and fishing will always be something something that I take interest in. It's unpredictable and requires skill that I am proud to have. I have many friends and family members that encourage me to become better with each of these sports whether it's recreational or competitive.