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Finn Aagaard (1932-2000) was one of the most respected gun writers of the last century. His experiences as a professional hunter in Kenya and his knowledge of firearms and bullets supported by his staunch hunting ethics earned him the respect of his readers and professionals in the outdoor industry. Finn approached hunting from a down to earth, practical standpoint and firmly believed in mentoring young hunters. The Aagaard family would like to continue to do so thru The Finn Aagaard Youth Mentorship Program. To honor Finn’s memory and his interest in promoting hunting among young people, a mentorship program has been created. The Finn Aagaard Youth Mentorship Program is for high school seniors, boys and girls, who have a hunting license or have passed a hunter's safety course. They are invited to write an essay of between 750 and 1500 words on "What Hunting Means to Me". The mentorship program is looking for a youth who grasps the significance of the gift we have in the outdoors combined with the privilege and thrill of the hunt. Only high school seniors that have no affiliation with the judges, the Aagaard family, or program sponsors are permitted to participate.
The deadline for the essays is 10/1/2007. The winner will be announced by 12/20/2007. A distinguished panel assembled by the Aagaard family will select the essay winner. The selected youth will be invited to hunt with a nationally recognized gunwriter during the fall of 2008. All expenses will be covered by the Finn Aagaard Youth Mentorship Program.
Please submit the essay or inquiries to:
The Finn Aagaard Youth Mentorship Program
10062 Larston Street
Houston, TX 77055
Email to: bnbshooters@sbcglobal.netSponsors:
WILD COUNTRY STUDIOS
SISK RIFLES
ELLIS COMMUNICATIONS
RAMWORKS INC.
KYLE YEBERNETSKY NAMED THE FINN AAGAARD MENTORSHIP PROGRAM RECIPIENT FOR 2007
Read Kyle's Winning Essay Here
Kyle Yebernetsky was selected as the first recipient of the Finn Aagaard Youth Mentorship Program and in 2007 Kyle traveled to Uvalde, Texas to participate in the Sisk Rifles Aagaard Hunters Challenge. Charlie Sisk of Sisk Rifles www.siskguns.com donated the entry fee and covered all travel expenses for Kyle. The event was held at the Hacienda Ranch www.haciendatexas.com which also donated a hunt for Kyle.
Kyle placed third in the Aagaard Hunters challenge which included several experienced hunters and won a custom rifle built by Charlie Sisk.
“The Aagaard Youth Mentorship Program was definitely one of the greatest experiences of my life. Not only did I have a load of fun, but I also got to meet outdoor writers from around the country. I learned a lot from them
and was encouraged to continue my writing, which I plan to do. The Program also gave me a tremendous boost of confidence in my writing and as a sportsman. I am so grateful that I was lucky enough to participate in such a great event. The memories I made and lessons I learned I will carry forever.”
Kyle Yebernetsky