Sacramento, California - The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Wildlife Officer Foundation have announced the winner of the annual “Passing on the Tradition” essay contest. Brian McCoard, a 13-year-old hunter from Cool, will be awarded a lifetime hunting license at the International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) in Sacramento on January 23.

Junior hunting license holders or youths under 16 who earned a hunter education certificate in 2015 were eligible to participate in the contest. Entrants explained what “Passing on the Tradition” of hunting means to them in 500 words or less.

“Introducing youth hunters to the tradition of hunting and ethical behavior is a critical component of our hunter education program and an important step in ensuring the continued conservation of California’s natural resources,” said CDFW Lt. John Nores.

Brian’s winning essay emphasized that his father, Jared McCoard, is his role model in hunting in specific and life in general.

“I took my hunter safety course with three of my cousins. I was very nervous to take the test because I really wanted to pass it, but I have dyslexia and reading and taking tests are very difficult for me,” he wrote. “Through my dad’s hands-on lessons about hunting and gun safety, I was able to pass the written test. My dad is also dyslexic, and since he passed his test when he was my age, it gave me hope that I could pass my test also. My dad is not just my hunting mentor, he is my hero.”

The second place winner is Tyler Benedetti, 16, of Morgan Hill. Two competitors tied for third place: Ty Bauer, 12, of Eureka, and Joseph Lee, 16, of Hayward.

The essays were reviewed and scored by CDFW wildlife officers and other CDFW representatives.

AWARD CEREMONY: The grand prize will be awarded during a special ceremony at the ISE show in Sacramento on Jan. 23 at 3:30 p.m.

For more information on becoming a hunter education instructor to help “Pass on the Tradition,” please visit customessaywriter.org.