“Dad, let’s talk about bears”

Mary Lynn West, SCIF Sables President

I had the pleasure of meeting Chaney Lieberman, Steve Lieberman’s daughter, at the Orange County Chapter fundraiser.  Chaney is a very unusual little girl.  She loves reading, horseback riding, walking the fields with the families new Pudlepointer, drawing, earning a red belt in Tae Kwon Do, and has just begun acting classes.  This adorable bundle of energy has accomplished all of the aforementioned at the tender age of six. Adding to her list, Chaney, now age seven, is beginning to explore her new passion, hunting. 

Chaney received a shinny new Cricket .22 on her sixth birthday and target shooting became one of her favorite pass times. However, her ultimate goal was to hunt!   The question was repeated on a regular basis.  “When can I hunt?”  As a compromise her dad advised her that she could go hunting when she was able to shoot a center fire rifle.

Steve located an area that could be hunted legally without a license and they were off to the range to qualify her on a .223 rifle.  That was easily accomplished and she preferred the higher caliber over her .22 Cricket.

Several weeks later Chaney with her dad and older sister Carolyn in tow, were off to Big Horn Canyon Ranch. Her sister, a huntress as well, would be the family photographer documenting this monumental moment in Chaney’s life.

The following is the story of Chaney’s first hunt.  After hiking some distance they came across a group of painted goats.  The weather was not cooperating and the fog rolled in and out quickly.  Dad recognized the need to get closer.  They closed in on the goats at about 75 yards to take the shot.  Clear miss right over the top of his back. 

After tracking the group Chaney was about to get a second chance.  Her dad pulled out the shooting sticks.  Chaney was trembling with anticipation and jerked the trigger.  This shot sent the goats running down a ravine.  No time to quit now.  They were back on the trail again.

A sudden gust of wind sent the goats’ odor in their direction.  Chaney began her deep breathing exercises as she rested the gun on the shooting sticks.  She waited patiently and her goat came into view.  Chaney raised the gun to her shoulder and stared down the scope.  The shot rang out and the ram collapsed right where it stood.  The third time was a charm and she presented a perfect shot.

They field dressed, skinned the goat, and Chaney tucked the back straps safely away in anticipation of a meal.  On the way home they reminisced about the day and listened to the radio.  Chaney reached over and turned off the radio, turned to her dad and said, “Dad, let’s talk about bears”.

This is my incentive to continue to support the education programs to “Continuing Our Outdoor Heritage”.  But instilling the knowledge to our youth must begin at home. 

The Lieberman’s have two very young women learning conservation, wildlife management, and enjoying our hunting heritage. Fantastic!