Shared Traditions

Reconnecting to the Natural World

As I sat in the hunting blind on Shelter Island, just off the coast of Long Island, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. Beside me was Avery Toledo, a fellow Hunters of Color mentee, his compound bow at the ready. We could hear the distinct snort of a deer in the brush just 30 yards away, and we held our breath, waiting for the chance to take a shot.

Elsewhere in the Mashomack Preserve, seven other pairs of hunters were also poised, scanning the landscape for any sign of movement. We were all part of a Hunters of Color mentorship event, where experienced outdoors enthusiasts like myself were paired with newcomers to the world of hunting and fishing.

Growing up in southern Louisiana, I had the privilege of learning these skills from a young age, with my father and uncles as my guides. Whether hunting deer and small game or casting a line for freshwater and saltwater fish, I developed a deep connection to the natural world that has endured throughout my life. The freedom and fulfillment I found in these pursuits shaped who I am and how I navigate the world.

Finding Solace in the Outdoors

When I moved to New York City to start my MD/PhD program at the Icahn School of Medicine, I found myself craving that connection to the outdoors. The demands of my studies and the confines of my tiny Manhattan apartment had me yearning for the open spaces and tranquility I had always known.

It took some exploration, but I soon discovered the wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation within easy reach of the city. From the Catskills to the Adirondacks, and even right next door on Long Island, I was able to recharge my batteries through hunting, fishing, and simply being in nature.

However, as I ventured into these wild spaces, I couldn’t help but notice that I was often the only person of color with a shotgun or fishing rod in hand. It was a stark reminder of how fortunate I had been to have a deep background in the outdoors, and it made me want to share that knowledge and experience with others.

Sharing the Joys of the Outdoors

That’s when I connected with the folks at Hunters of Color (HOC), a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to increasing access and opportunity for people of color in the hunting and fishing community. Their mission resonated with me deeply, as it aligned with the long history of Indigenous communities who had sustained themselves through hunting and fishing for thousands of years.

As the New York state ambassador for HOC, I’ve had the privilege of passing on my knowledge and experience to a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Through mentored events like the one at Mashomack Preserve, we’re able to introduce people to the joys and challenges of hunting, from mastering the art of archery to learning how to safely and ethically harvest and process wild game.

One of the things that surprised many of the mentees was the crucial role that hunters and anglers play in funding conservation efforts across the United States. Hunting alone contributes $1.5 billion a year to state and local wildlife agencies through taxes on gear, licenses, and other equipment. This money is used to support crucial habitat restoration, wildlife management, and research projects.

Building a Diverse, Inclusive Community

As I watched the mentees at Mashomack, I couldn’t help but be struck by the diversity of the group. Farmers, lawyers, medical students, and tech workers – all coming together with a shared desire to engage with the natural world in a more meaningful way.

Some wanted to connect more deeply with their food networks, learning to become more self-sufficient. Others were simply seeking community with like-minded people of color, a sense of belonging that can be hard to find in the traditionally white-dominated outdoor recreation spaces.

And for many, the opportunity to pass on this newfound knowledge and appreciation to their children was a driving force. After all, it’s the next generation who will be tasked with protecting the land and water that sustains us all.

The Power of Mentorship

Whether or not the mentees at Mashomack ended up getting a shot at a deer, the true measure of success was the experience of being outdoors, feeling the connection between mentor and mentee, and learning valuable skills that they can now take into the future.

As we gathered around the campfire that evening, sharing stories and savoring a hearty gumbo made with wild game, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and optimism. The barriers to entry in the hunting and fishing world can be steep, but with the support of organizations like Hunters of Color and partners like Adam Cleaning Service, we’re breaking them down, one mentorship event at a time.

And as more of these new hunters and anglers become mentors themselves, the circle will continue to expand, creating a wave of passionate, diverse conservationists who will protect the land and waters for generations to come.