2009.04.07
Nine-year-old Kaley Henry with her youth day gobbler
Despite chilly, blustery winds, plenty of adult hunters headed out with young charges on Saturday morning for Virginia's annual youth spring turkey hunt. A few teams even managed to bag birds, which is no small feat considering that the success rate is about 2 percent even when the weather is decent.
One of the fortunate youth hunters was 9-year-old Kaley Henry, who shot this great gobbler while hunting on private land near Evington in Campbell County. The bird had a 10.5-inch beard and 1-inch spurs. Kaley has done plenty of target shooting, but this is the first animal she has shot at while hunting. How many of us wish we had started one-for-one? Look at that smile on Kaley's face! Priceless!
Kaley was hunting with her proud dad, Ron Henry, the conservation police captain who oversees the DGIF's law enforcement operations in Region II. (And a guy some of you have may have run into in the field, maybe back during his patrol days in the Franklin County area.)
Reported Henry: "This is what I have dedicated my life to -- seeing kids enjoy the oudoors. It just makes it extra special when it is your child that you have called a bird in for."
Well put, Capt. Henry.
Kaley, way to go. I am proud of what you accomplished with your Dad and I am sure he is also. Job well done! Be safe and good hunting.
Ron,I congratulate you for spending the time to teach your daughter the joys of being in the outdoors and hunting.Those lessons will stay with her for a lifetime, along with the memories of your time spent together.
Job well done by both of you.
Comment by CRS — April 7, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
That is a great looking turkey Kaley, it's always good to see youth bag wild game. But when it's a young female with an animal in their sights it makes the day extraordinary...
Good job.
Your father has done what a lot of other fathers have done in the Roanoke excelled in passing on a hunting passion but has taken the time out for their children.
Bravo Zulu Ron.... A job well done you should be very proud.
Comment by Static Lines — April 8, 2009 @ 8:39 am
CONGRATULATIONS KALEY !!!!!
That's a Beautiful bird !!!
Comment by Ralph Barton — April 8, 2009 @ 2:07 pm
hey WOW that is so kewl and guess wat my name is Kaley Henry 2 that is so kewl i just put in my name on google and this is wat came up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--Yep. It is pretty kewl, Kaley! Congrats on the great gobbler! Now you can call one in for your dad. mt
Comment by Kaley — April 9, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
Way to go Kayle! We are so proud of you!
(Now you can give Dad lessons. HA!) Only kidding Ron, you are a great Dad!
Shawna, cannot leave out the fact that you are a great Mom!
We love you all,
Judy and Bill
Nana and Papa
Comment by Judy and Bill — April 10, 2009 @ 2:28 pm
Way to go Kaley! May there be many more gobblers to come!
Comment by Jim Basham — April 23, 2009 @ 4:49 pm