As we rolled into October, we were very excited about our annual youth hunt here in Wisconsin. We had a larger group this year and a great mix of new hunters and guides, as well as many returning friends.

We also had a of couple new locations to hunt this year, so a crew of us headed up the weekend before to scout out the areas and set up our ground blinds. Being fairly new to the hunting world myself, this is actually one of my favorite parts of the youth hunts. We have so many awesome guides who volunteer with Kicking Bear. Just soaking up all their wisdom from years of hunting is a real blessing for me. I also enjoy the stories of past hunts. The excitement and laughter as those memories are shared really remind me that hunting is about a lot more than just the harvest of an animal. A huge thank you to the guys for sharing that knowledge and for working their tails off to set up the kids for a successful hunt this year!

We gathered Friday night and headed up to our wonderful host sites outside of Hixton, Wisconsin. Friends of Kicking Bear, Melanie and Dennis Simon, are so generous and they let us put a big group at their beautiful place called Living Waters Weddings, Retreats, and Cabin Getaways. Rick Teska also opens up his cabin for folks to stay there. With 14 young hunters and 16 guides, we needed all the space. It was so cool to be able to stay together and not be too spread out. We were very thankful.

Once settled in, we took some kiddos out to sight in rifles and then gathered for a safety meeting led by Sarge Symons. Sarge does a great job of reminding us all how to have a safe hunt and make a clean harvest too. After that, we were all off to bed with visions of venison dancing in our heads.

Saturday morning we all rolled out early to get ready before the sun came up. I was lucky enough to be paired up with Jayla, a first-time hunter, as well as Kaylie, a new guide who has graduated out of youth hunts and wants to give back by guiding the next generation of hunters! We had five brand new hunters out this year and two new guides with the Kicking Bear team as well.

With everyone settled into their blinds, we shared prayers through the famous “text thread” that keeps us all connected for the weekend. We asked God to provide safety as well as the chance to see/harvest some deer. Shortly after shooting light three of our hunters got on the board. Gunner, out with his guide Rick, got a nice doe to start. Then first-year hunter, Ethan, and his guide, Tyler, got another nice doe. Another first-year hunter, Devin, and his guide, Sarge, rounded out the morning harvest with the first buck of the trip! Many others saw deer as well, so the whole crew was pretty excited after the morning sit.

It is always fun to come back into camp and hear the stories and see the smiles! We gathered around bowls of Sarge’s famous chili as all the young hunters discussed the morning hunt. We were then treated with an amazing message from Larry Guthrie. He reminded us to trust God in all things and see how He works for good no matter what.

With bellies full of chili and a good word from Larry turning in our minds, we were ready to get back out in the blinds. Two veterans, Jack and Heather, whom Ray had been hunting with at Al Dittrich’s place, joined us for the afternoon hunt as well! There is nothing better than connecting these youngsters who enjoy so many freedoms with the folks who stepped up to protect those freedoms.

Lots of deer and turkey were on the move Saturday evening, but David and his guide, Bobby, were the only pair to harvest. He got a nice buck to close out the day.

We headed back to Living Waters and as the hungry crew grabbed supper we were blessed by Michael Rambo and the Collective Choir who led worship for us. It would bring tears to your eyes seeing this beautiful barn lit up with lights and amazing Gospel music pouring out of it. Believers shared testimonies and prayers. It was just a beautiful time for all to thank God for such an amazing time together.

Sunday morning rolled around and although the crew was moving a little slower, we got everyone out to the blinds and locked in for our last chance to fill tags. Our friend Reese, and his guide Tony, who was a first-year guide, locked in just after sun up and harvested a nice doe!

The rest of us saw a lot of deer again, but they were either on the move or just out of reach. Around 10 am we started breaking down blinds and headed back to Living Waters for church together.

This is another favorite time of the weekend. All the hunters and guides gather and stories are told with so much encouragement and laughter in the group! Pastor Billy shared his testimony and a message with us all. Then we prayed together. We were all so thankful for God’s creation, His provision, and to be connected with each other through our belief in Jesus. It was really beautiful.

We want to thank Dennis and Melanie Simon, Rick Teska, LTM Farms, Duane Dutton, Larry Guthrie, Michael Rambo and the Collective Choir, and Al Dittrich for everything they did to help make the weekend awesome. Also, a HUGE thank you to all the guides who stepped up to mentor kids on the hunt. The biggest thanks of all goes to the Lord. We know these opportunities He provides have a lasting impact on us all long after the hunt is over. Thank you, Jesus!