by Nate Kennedy
The word legacy is as well used around here as your old Beretta – and for just as good a reason. Our members make us what we are as an organization, and the legacies left behind are foundational to our community and our impact. Often, we’re describing those folks who are leaving behind that legacy; however, Annabelle Dodge’s story sits on the opposite end of that spectrum. At only nine years old, Annabelle has been a junior member for a couple of years now and is a wonderful part of the RGS & AWS community in the Northeast.
A few issues back, we published a Legacy story about Carole Dyer, a long-time Maine RGS & AWS member and one half of the namesake of Augusta’s Russ & Carole Dyer Chapter. Carole’s granddaughter, Amanda, currently chairs the chapter and Annabelle is Amanda’s oldest daughter. Annabelle has been coming to RGS & AWS events for the past few years where she’s gone from making forts with the empty boxes during setup to assisting her mom with raffle tickets and running prizes around the room to lucky winners with a smile.
It’s not just the events that bring Annabelle into the RGS & AWS community, though. Like those who came before her, she’s all in.
“She has a big spot in her heart for ruffed grouse and RGS & AWS, and has been bird hunting every year since she was born, said Amanda, Annabelle’s mom. “The first couple of years, her days were spent in a backpack or a stroller up in the north Maine woods. There were many funny looks from the few people we saw with our baby in a stroller and our dogs out hunting.”
Annabelle has also a deep love of dogs, from her parents’ current dogs, Ely, Tilly and Nyla, to Pete, whom they lost last year.
“I learned about training dogs with him and he was with me my whole life,” said Annabelle. “We had a very special bond and I will never forget he gave me lots of kisses and loved to cuddle with me.”
Annabelle is active in North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association and helps train dogs with both her mom and dad. She also interested in getting her own dog to hunt and train someday.
She told me that she loves grouse and woodcock because they are delicious, that she likes their tail fans and the woodcock’s funny dance. Her favorite part about bird hunting is when she’s out in the woods with the trees, birds and moose, and that camping at night brings out all of the sounds of the forest.
Last year, Annabelle was fortunate to take her first grouse with her mom and their GSP, Ely. The story involved a couple of misses before finally connecting with the bird – a trope any bird hunter can surely relate to.
“When Ely came back with the bird, I felt happy and excited!” said Annabelle. “I was looking forward to grouse nuggets that night.”
When asked about her connection to RGS & AWS, Annabelle replied, “It makes me feel proud to have a family that likes hunting and helping the ruffed grouse. I like the games and like learning how the banquet runs from all of the RGS members. It makes me feel welcomed into the bird hunting community. It makes me feel warm and loved, and I look forward to taking it on after my mom.”
Her mom added that, “When I prepare for RGS events, Annabelle’s first response is ‘Can I go and help?’ She loves talking to new people and having them engage with her about all things RGS & AWS!”
