Afternoon. Just returned from our annual banquet in Tillamook for Titan Outdoors youth hunt, 'Lil Titans- Hunt for the Future'. I'm sure some have seen years past a post about this from me, but a tremendous outreach we do for the youth in encouragement to get interested into hunting and outdoors. The 501C-3 program has kids from ages 9-15 apply via video essay (why they want to go on the hunt, some fun facts about them, etc.). Youth are chosen with emphasis on creativity of their essay along with 3 criteria which are 1. Kids that have hunted but have never been successful 2. kids that would like to hunt but don't have the means (financial or no knowledge of where to start), 3. and kids with disabilities or having a tough time in life (recent death in family, medical condition, etc.). 12-14 kids are chosen through the selection process of our pro-staff/board members and contacted. Winners get an all-expenses (minus travel to the ranch) paid 3-day hunt at 4 Aces Ranch in Madras, Oregon, a 5500 square-acre ranch, towards the end of March. Family members come too as the ranch has RV/camping areas and several bunkhouses. Over the 3 days the kids go on their hunt of course with a video crew and 1 family member and get to harvest a full-curl ram of their choosing. As you can see by the pics there are A LOT of different species. Even though this is a high-fence ranch, the area is so large, and cliff riddled it truly is a hunt as these animals are very much wild and VERY much aware they are being hunted!
At the camp, we have a meat processor on hand that helps the youth cut and package their meat and turn it into sausage, a field instructor from Fish and Game that can certify their field days for both Washington and Oregon for their licenses, and a taxidermist (myself) that teaches skinning and caping methods. Evenings are filled with games, bonfires, and funny stories. Meals are provided by a Papa Bears Meats out of Oregon via their incredible BBQ set-up. The trophies are taken back, mounted, and presented to them in January at the annual banquet and fundraising event at no cost and paid for through donations tanneries (Moyle Mink) and the supply company (McKenzie Taxidermy). It's incredible to see these kids take up hunting after this event!
Pics are of the majority of 2020 & 2021 rams (2020 we were not allowed to have a banquet due to Covid restrictions). A truly awesome program to be a part of and one of the most enjoyed events every year for me.
Joel - BRT
