My name is Raegan , and I’d love to share the story of my hunt with Outdoor Mentors and the incredible journey it has taken me on.

In 2020, my high school trap team coach reached out to me about a guided hunt opportunity with Outdoor Mentors. As someone who had never harvested an animal and was more familiar with shotguns than rifles, I was initially hesitant. But the idea of exploring a new realm of shooting intrigued me, and I decided to take the plunge.

The hunt began in September of 2020, with my mentor, Brittany and our videographer/photographer, Joe. We were met with a few mornings of dense fog, which kept the deer hidden in the tree line surrounding the bean field. The few that ventured out were beyond the range we had agreed upon. As our last day approached, I started to doubt whether I’d have the chance to harvest a deer. But despite the challenges, I remained determined. I began scanning the tree line for clearings where I might get an open and ethical shot.

Finally, I spotted a young buck drinking from a stream in a clearing. I carefully lined up my shot, while Brittany and Joe confirmed that it was an ethical target. With a deep breath, I slowly pulled the trigger. We tracked him down and found that I had made a perfect shot. To my surprise, he still had his velvet! While he wasn’t a trophy buck by traditional standards, he was a special one to me, and I’ll always cherish that moment.

I am forever grateful for my experience with Outdoor Mentors. Brittany instilled in me a confidence in hunting and shooting accuracy that I carry with me to this day. While I haven’t harvested another deer since that first hunt, I discovered a passion for dove hunting and eagerly look forward to the season each year.

Now, I’m in my second year at Butler Community College, where I’ve been awarded a trap shooting scholarship. My journey with Outdoor Mentors not only deepened my love for the outdoors but also paved the way for new opportunities in my shooting career.

This custom leather gun sling is handcrafted by Raegan.