Happy #huntingfamilyfriday and nearly happy Easter. We are happy to introduce you to a great family that enjoys the outdoors from Lilly, PA in Cambria County. They reached out to us to be interviewed as a hunting family -if you are part of a hunting family, you can do the same by contacting us for more details - we love to meet and learn about other hunting/fishing families!
Hunting Dad Justin (33 yrs) and Hunting Mumma Diana (32 yrs) are raising their two kids; Abby (9yrs) and Hunter (21 months) up in the outdoors with awareness and respect. Read on to learn about the Crossman family.
The Crossman family with Abby (9yrs) spike. Abby, Diana, Justin, and Hunter.
When did you learn to hunt? Justin started when he could walk, his dad would take him into the woods and he has loved the woods ever since. Diana was 18 yrs old and she started when she and Justin moved in together. Being from the city, Diana had no clue about hunting. But having a great teacher like Justin, she has come to understand the meaning of hunting and appreciation of the outdoors.
Together they have raised their kids in the outdoors from even before they were born! They have taken them when they were babies for walks in the woods, spotting, and fishing. Their daughter Abby started going into the woods before she could walk. They would all go spotting deer and Abby would get so excited when she would see deer in the fields.
a young Abby spending time in the woods
Her first hunting trip was when she was 5yrs old. Justin and Abby went out for an evening hunt. Although they didn't see anything Abby still enjoyed it. Hunter is still little but he has a love for the outdoors too.
Hunter with his safety earmuffs
What is your preferred season? The Crossman family enjoys archery season best of all, but they don't limit themselves through the year. They ranked rifle season a close second and fishing season as their third favorite time of the year.
What is your ‘can’t hunt/fish without it’ accessory? Diana says she cant hunt without her Mossy Oak beanie hat. She told us, "I wear it even if its hot outside!"
Hunting Mum Diana (with her lucky beanie!), Hunting Dad Justin and her doe
What is your favorite hunting/fishing memory? In 2012, Justin, Diana, and Abby were rifle hunting they sat for 11 1/2 hrs, up at Green Springs, but didn't see anything all day. Finally, Abby was getting restless and wanted to leave so they started to pack up the things and all of a sudden a spike came walking down the hill. Justin got Abby set up and FINALLY she got her chance to shoot her BUCK!
Abby and her spike after a long wait
Diana's favorite memory we shooting her first deer with her Matthew's Bow. She and Justin were in a buddy stand for an evening hunt when a doe came walking by, giving her a perfect shot.
And just this past weekend during the first day of trout, Justin took Abby out and they caught a 26 1/2 inch palomino together!
26 1/2 inch palomino and a very proud Abby
What lessons do you most wish to preserve about hunting for generations to come? "Respect the land, and enjoy the outdoors."
Hunting Dad Justin with his buck and son Hunter
Why is hunting/fishing important to your family? Hunting Mum Diana said, "We know from experience that there are no other memories that last as long as those made outdoors because it is quality time that we spend with them. Our children will remember that for the rest of their lives. And hopefully will show their children someday too."
Hunting Dad Justin spending some quality father-daughter time with Abby