G&F: Does all the information available on videos, DVDs and the Internet allow young people to skip the small-game experience and go straight to big game?

Taylor: No. You can learn a lot, but last time I checked, there aren't many shows that focus on squirrel or other small-game hunting. I think you make yourself a better hunter, and a more avid hunter, if you include small game.

G&F: I guess it's kind of like stepping up to hunting's major leagues without any experience in the minors.

Taylor: The analogy I like to use is fishing. You wouldn't take a kid who'd never fished before to a trout stream, stick a fly rod in his hand, tie on a dry fly or nymph and expect him to do any good. Instead, you'd go to a bluegill pond, put a worm on his hook and a bobber on his line, and let him learn in a more relaxed environment. I may be way off base, but I think that's the better way to teach. And the same thing applies to hunting.

G&F: Thank you, Curtis.

Find more about West Virginia fishing and hunting at: WVgameandfish.com