By Emily Topper and Abby Baker
For Dennis Pawlowski, hunting is about more than sport. The activity has become a lifestyle and a spiritual journey.
“I don’t go into the woods just to get a kill,” Pawlowski said. “I like to see the stars and hear the sounds of the woods.”
Pawlowski, the founder of Trinity Sportsman Ministries, began hunting as a teenager when his friend’s father took him through the woods of South Carolina. Since then, Pawlowski has used his passion for hunting as a way to share the message of Christ.
The Michigan native began the nonprofit ministry in 2006, in the woods behind First Baptist Church of Durant.
“I guess it was a God thing,” Pawlowski said. “It was born out of wanting to serve Christ and the passion that he gives each one of us.”
Pawlowski and his ministry members travel to churches in eastern Hillsborough County, offering lessons in archery or bow hunting that matches a teaching of the Bible.
“We point kids to biblical passages,” Pawlowski said. “Those are the biblical principles that we bring to the actual lesson.”
Pawlowski passes his own hunting experience along to children. Kids who enroll in a bow hunting class learn the basics of hunting, including hunting morals and ethics, animal habitats and conservation. Classes are held throughout the year. About 200 people, mostly kids, go through the ministry program over the course of one year.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
FUN FACT
Although ministry members might recognize Dennis Pawlowski with a bow in his hand, other Plant City residents will recognize him in his police uniform. He has been a member of the Plant City Police Department for over 20 years.
TIPS AND TRICKS
Beginners
1. Find a mentor.
“Become a sponge,” Pawlowski said. “Learn as much as possible.”
2. Practice, practice, practice.
“Go to a clinic like ours,” Pawlowski said.
Intermediate
1. Hone your skills.
“Practice more than the last three days before the start of the season,” Pawlowski said. “Go to competitions.”
2. Don’t get caught up in the hype.
For Pawlowski, hunting isn’t about buying the newest gadget on the market.
“Stick with what you know,” he said. “With the age of the Internet, you can look at reviews and where to best spend your money.”
Advanced
1. Blend in.
Pawlowski recommends bathing with an unscented soap and using other products that are scent free. He also recommends picking a hunting spot that will help with scent control.
2. Download apps.
Pawlowski uses ScoutLook, a free app that hunters can use before they pick a location. The app can show which way the wind is coming from, and hunters can pick their location based off of the direction of the wind.
LEARN MORE
Trinity Sportsman Ministries
WEBSITE: TrinitySportsManMinistry.com
ADDRESS: 723 Russell Drive, Plant City
PHONE: (813) 389-3678