brothers deer hunt together

Saturday, October 12th, 2019

Lucas (13) and Levi (12) were bound and determined to get into hunting this year. Like any determined teenager, they made plans to do just that. In early October, Lucas and Levi completed their hunter education at Lake Afton. Once they passed their test and had their certificate in hand, they were extremely eager to get to work! Parents Brett and Kristin were supportive of the boys’ decision and started searching for opportunities. “The boys have played all the sports. They enjoyed it but they don’t have a passion for it. They have always been interested in learning about guns and guns safety. Lucas has asked since he turned 11 to take Hunter’s Safety. The boys decided this year, no sports, they wanted to get into hunting. I was a little concerned at first because Brett nor I are experienced hunters but when your kids want to learn about something you seek out resources to help them in their journey.” said Kristin.

Brett grew up hunting birds, but never went deer hunting. Kristin grew up with a father that went deer hunting occasionally, but she never went along to learn the sport. This experience was the very first hunting experience for the boys and for the family to share together. Anxious and excited all at once, the boys purchased their first deer permits with the hopes to fill them during the pre-rut anterless season.

Kristin and Levi made themselves comfortable in the blind with their mentor, Gabe Thurman. Gabe is an active member in the Kansas Back Country Hunters & Anglers group. Kristin, worried about not having the appropriate equipment and knowledge for a deer hunt was immediately relieved when she realized her guide, Gabe, had all the resources she and Levi would need. Kristin said, “I don’t know when they would have actually gotten to go hunting if it wasn’t for the amazing guides and landowners working with Outdoor Mentors. When asked if we had our our rifle, I responded, no. With a smile our guide said, ‘No problem! I have one he can use!’”

Lucas did not fill his tag, but had an incredible time shooting before the hunt began. Lucas was mentored buy Kansas BHA member, Nick Martin. Both Nick and Gabe were first time mentors with our program. Nick said, “I had a great time, met some really cool guys and enjoyed helping Lucas.”

Levi, however, did fill his first deer tag. “I was in the blind with Levi. By the time his doe appeared, Levi was completely comfortable shooting the .243 rifle. His shot was absolutely perfect! Just a really nice clean shot! Our guide then taught us everything we needed to know to field dress the doe” said Kristin. Mentor Gabe said “I had a great time guiding a youth deer hunter this last weekend. I got just as much out of doing this as the kids did hunting!”

All in one day, Lucas and Levi shot rifles for the first time and went deer hunting. For 2 eager boys who just received their hunter education, this is a memory that will last a lifetime for the entire family. Kristin described her experience deer hunting with her son as a “flood of emotions”. She said, “As a parent my favorite part was being next to my child and seeing him be so successful learning a new skill. The excitement on his face after he knew he got his deer was something I will never forget. There are some real raw emotions that go along with hunting. You are so happy you got a deer but respectful that you took a life. Thankful for the food that is provided as a result of a great hunt. Our guide even talked to us about learning to process our our meat! Maybe we will get there someday!”

Personal Thanks from Brett & Kristin: I truly can’t express how grateful Brett and I are to Outdoor Mentors, our guides and landowners for teaching the boys (and us) a new skill that can be a super intimidating without support.