My name is Christal Peeples and I am nineteen years old. I was born and raised in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The town is a small island just north of Jacksonville, Fl. We are best known for our beaches, fishing industry,
the movie Pipi Longstocking that was filmed here, and the oldest bar in Florida; the Palace saloon.
Fishing and hunting have always been a part of my life. Since I was a small child I have been fishing for sheephead, trout, bass, and flounder inshore and for cobia, kingfish, barracuda, and other species offshore. I started hunting when I was about 9 years old in South Carolina on some family land with my father, brother and grandfather. I had a little .22 rifle and I thought I was something. At the time I would go fishing anyway before ever stepping out into the woods. Then I started hunting in a local town 10 minutes away from my house called Yulee. We hunted deer with dogs and I fell in love with hunting and especially dog hunting.
Now I love to hunt and would step into the woods any day before going fishing. Don't get me wrong I like fishing, but it doesn’t even come close to my love for hunting. I love hearing the dogs run the deer, I love the time spent with my family, and I love every aspect of the hunts.... even the down time.
Hunting to me is not about killing an animal, that part is great, but if I just hunted to kill something I would have quit a long time ago.
Hunting to me is a family tradition, relaxation time, and my right as an American citizen. I love hunting and the outdoors so much I wore a Mossy Oak camouflage dress to my senior prom. It sure did turn some heads. I am currently waiting on the arrival of September...bow season that is, so that I can sit in my tree stand and do what I love. Until then I am concentrating on getting my education.
I am pursuing a B.A in Forestry and Conservation. My goal is to ensure future generations of hunters, fishers, and all outdoors people a world where they can enjoy the things I love. Also, it is time to do some deer scouting for next year and clean up from this year.
