How It All Got Started
As a Soldier I was stationed in Washington D.C. Although it was a challenge to find quality hunting opportunities I continued to hunt. It was during this time that my youngest daughter, a first grader at the time, was told “killing animals was wrong.” I had always included my daughters in my hunting outings, scouting trips, and outdoor activities. I took for granted that they would naturally accept my way of thinking. When confronted with this dilemma, I felt that the best course of action was to buy a children’s book that represented the hunting community’s point of view. I diligently searched for several months for such a book and never found one. So I decided I would write it, because of the importance of the message. No children’s book publisher wanted to touch it - too controversial. No hunting book publisher wanted to touch - they don’t do children’s books. Three years passed, we moved from D.C. and the book I had written still sat on the shelf. Although I had been rejected by everyone I had sent the manuscript too, I felt in my heart that this was something I still needed to pursue for the sake of hunting. Eventually I chose to self-publish the book and make it a personal matter to get the message out to the good hunting folks of this great country.
What Is The Purpose Of Billy Goes Hunting
The Purpose of Billy Goes Hunting is to educate young children about the role hunting plays in the environment. There are several great books out there that highlight the joy of hunting for younger hunters - but Billy Goes Hunting is the only book that aims to educate and counter the negative messages our children receive on a daily basis. If one child grows stronger in his convictions and feelings about hunting- then we have accomplished our purpose.
What Is The Message Of Billy Goes Hunting
The message behind Billy Goes Hunting is environmentalism. Hunters do more for the environment, animals and habitat than any other organization in this country. The more subtle message is more for parents - only you can make a difference in your child’s view of hunting and if you want to protect hunting for generations to come, teach them now while they are young. The purpose of taking a child hunting is NOT about the hunt. The purpose of the hunt is spending quality time teaching ethical hunting practices, gaining an appreciation for nature, developing bonds between parent and child, creating memories, and sharing our values.
About The Author
Matt Butler was raised in a family with a strong tradition of hunting. He grew up hunting deer, dove, rabbit, pheasant, duck, and squirrel in his native Utah. Matt graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History from Weber State University and was commissioned into the United States Army. Matt has bow hunted in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Utah, Michigan, Africa, and Asia. Matt is married to his sweetheart, and together they are raising their three wonderful daughters.