Eleven-Year-Old Eureka Youth Places Third in Statewide Contest

Ty Bauer, age 11, of Eureka, tied for third in a statewide essay competition sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Below is a press release from the agency.

Press release from the Department of Fish and Wildlife:

dfwThe California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Wildlife Officer Foundation have announced the winner of the annual “Passing on the Tradition” essay contest. Brian McCoard, a 13-year-old hunter from Cool, will be awarded a lifetime hunting license at the International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) in Sacramento on Jan. 23.

Junior hunting license holders or youths under 16 who earned a hunter education certificate in 2015 were eligible to participate in the contest. Entrants explained what “Passing on the Tradition” of hunting means to them in 500 words or less.

“Introducing youth hunters to the tradition of hunting and ethical behavior is a critical component of our hunter education program and an important step in ensuring the continued conservation of California’s natural resources,” said CDFW Lt. John Nores.

Brian’s winning essay emphasized that his father, Jared McCoard, is his role model in hunting in specific and life in general.

“I took my hunter safety course with three of my cousins. I was very nervous to take the test because I really wanted to pass it, but I have dyslexia and reading and taking tests are very difficult for me,” he wrote. “Through my dad’s hands-on lessons about hunting and gun safety, I was able to pass the written test. My dad is also dyslexic, and since he passed his test when he was my age, it gave me hope that I could pass my test also. My dad is not just my hunting mentor, he is my hero.”

The second place winner is Tyler Benedetti, 16, of Morgan Hill. Two competitors tied for third place: Ty Bauer, 11, of Eureka, and Joseph Lee, 16, of Hayward.

The essays were reviewed and scored by CDFW wildlife officers and other CDFW representatives.

AWARD CEREMONY: The grand prize will be awarded during a special ceremony at the ISE show in Sacramento on Jan. 23 at 3:30 p.m.

For more information on becoming a hunter education instructor to help “Pass on the Tradition,” please visitwww.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/instructors.aspx.

An earlier version incorrectly reported Ty Bauer’s age as 12.

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15 Comments
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G-ma
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G-ma
8 years ago

Congratulations TY,nice job to all

judi
Guest
judi
8 years ago
Reply to  G-ma

i 2nd the sentiment of g-maw. very nice and even FANTASTIC job. enjoy the kudo’s and keep it up.

thank you all for the education you are receiving in gun safety AND english!
but do not grade me on my use of sentence structure, spelling, lack of use and improper use of upper case letters.

Julie
Guest
Julie
8 years ago

I think the names got mixed up here!

Ernie Branscomb
Guest
8 years ago
Reply to  Julie

Can you clarify??? Who’s name is in the wrong place?

marty
Guest
marty
8 years ago

Seems as if Julie is poking cruel fun at the dyslexic. I’m not amused.

Laurie Jensen
Guest
Laurie Jensen
8 years ago

You “Rock” my friend!!! Congrads

YouRock
Guest
8 years ago

Good job!

Julie Timmons
Guest
8 years ago

Well, here’s ANOTHER Julie , offering congratulations to Ty for his accomplishment.

Jackie bosse
Guest
Jackie bosse
8 years ago

Nice going Ty! Grandma and grandpa are so proud of you👍😊love you

Z
Guest
Z
8 years ago

Yay Ty Bauer!

Anon Forrest
Guest
8 years ago

I understand it is a 500 word essay on traditional hunting. Any chance we can read it? af

Fort Dick
Guest
Fort Dick
8 years ago
Reply to  Anon Forrest

That’s what I’m saying, I want to read this young man’s story.

gunther
Guest
gunther
8 years ago

Congratulations Ty! That’s a wonderful achievement. Wishing you a life time of good memories with family and friends afield!

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
8 years ago

Congratulations! I’m here for you if you need some venison recipes. The traditional fast food. Drooling already.