Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: silverdalesauer on May 03, 2021, 09:29:26 AM
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I've been supporting and mentoring new hunters who are traditionally from lower income jobs (specifically those in full-time church work like pastors or missionaries) for the last few years. Last year, I was able to help a physically disabled pastor and his two sons get out on their first deer/turkey hunt with some success.
This year, I'm working with two guys, one a youth pastor (and former Air Force vet) and another pastor, who've never hunted. They've both been through some turmoil this past year (like many of us) and are looking to take hunting on as a way to refresh and let go of some of the burdens they carry.
That's where you come in.
I'm looking for help gathering gear or donations to purchase gear, if anyone is interested. The folks above will be the recipients of used or new equipment that can help get them on their way to a lifetime love of hunting and the outdoors. If you'd like to participate, here's some ideas:
You can:
- Donate Gear - Help provide gear for a "Gear Locker" that will be made available for those who go on hunting trips in 2021 and beyond. I'll be gathering all kinds of items for future use by new hunters and would love as much used/new gear as I can take. Items needed may include, but are not limited to:
Archery gear for new bowhunters
Blaze Orange Hat/Caps
Blaze Vests or Jackets
Camo clothing of all sizes
Spotting Scopes
Tri-Pods
Binoculars
Calls (ducks, geese, turkey, deer, Foxpro, etc.)
Maps or GPS or compasses
Backpacks
Hunting knives
Gutting & Skinning kits
Deer drags
Hunting Gloves
Hunting Hats
Fleece Jackets
Camo Pants
Boots (Rubber for wet days/water crossings)
Boots (Leather for big game hunting)
Raingear (pants/jackets/ponchos)
Headlamps
Game bags
Scent Control
Rangefinders
Hand warmers
Gun cases
Ground blinds or layout blinds
Emergency Preparedness Kits
- First Aid stuff
- Fire Making stuff
- Bivy Sack
- Water filtration/iodine tablets
- Paracord
- Whistle
- Etc.
Fishing Gear
- Tackle boxes
- Hooks
- Bobbers
- Beginner rods and reels for kids
- Panfish jigs, bass lures, trout gear, etc.
- Stringers
- Rulers
- Hook removers
- etc.
And anything else that might be of usefulness.
or
- Make a Donation (give a tax-free donation) to help make this trip happen. Yes, as a full-time missionary, I have a fund that can be used to cover costs for this type of retreat. Simply click here to make a tax-free donation: https://www.paraclete.net/project/the-ministry-care-fund/
Thank you for reading and considering getting involved.
I also have another thread dedicated to taking pastors and missionaries and their families fishing. Check it out here: https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=261347.msg3545996#msg3545996
Pictured below: A mentor hunt provided 2 years ago for a dad and his 2 sons. Thanks to all who've participated the last 3 years in helping us get gear for new hunters.
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I will dig through some stuff and see what I have. Im in kitsap as well.
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I have some older bows. They're real good bows for their day, but old now. Do you think they'd be useful in this context?
Could meet when I pass through Silverdale.
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I’ve got an older bow and a bunch of arrows I’d like to donate.
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I have extra camo and possibly some gear. Id love to help. In Port Orchard.
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2 older but yet new bows and a dz arrows in Winthrop
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I know I have some extra camo and blaze orange hats and vests. I probably have some other gear I can toss in as well.
Great cause and Silverdale has some great stories about his mission and those he has been able to help. Stand up guy!
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I’ll dig through my stuff and gladly help out!!!
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Wow. I just checked in on this thread. This is a great start! Thank you.
I'll reach out to each of you soon via PM.
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I will dig through some stuff and see what I have. Im in kitsap as well.
PM Sent
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I have some older bows. They're real good bows for their day, but old now. Do you think they'd be useful in this context?
Could meet when I pass through Silverdale.
PM Sent
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I’ve got an older bow and a bunch of arrows I’d like to donate.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
PM Sent
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I have extra camo and possibly some gear. Id love to help. In Port Orchard.
PM inbound.
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2 older but yet new bows and a dz arrows in Winthrop
PM inbound.
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PM responded to
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Bump
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PM me with an address...I should have a few boxes of misc. clothes & hunting stuff .How about fishing stuff??
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Pm me an address. I have some coats and pants to donate.
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PM me with an address...I should have a few boxes of misc. clothes & hunting stuff .How about fishing stuff??
PM Inbound. Thanks!
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Pm me an address. I have some coats and pants to donate.
PM coming soon. Thanks!
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PM me with an address...I should have a few boxes of misc. clothes & hunting stuff .How about fishing stuff??
Yes, I'd be willing to take fishing gear too. I'm taking a number of guys out this summer with their kids who don't usually get to fish. I think I've got 4 to 5 dads (pastors or ministry leaders) and their sons/daughters who are asking if I could take them out. Any gear available would be used to give away as resources for that too.
Thanks, so much!
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If anybody from west side is coming to Winthrop or close thereto I have 2 Bows and a doz arrows that have donated just to get them from here to there.
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If you make it to Yakima I have some Knives and a new soft and hard rifle case .
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If you make it to Yakima I have some Knives and a new soft and hard rifle case .
I'll keep you posted if I come by that way. If anyone on this thread travels to the west side and would like to meet up sometime, please let me know. Thanks!
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Two boxes headed your way tomorrow...fishing gear later
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Two boxes headed your way tomorrow...fishing gear later
AWESOME!!!
Thanks so much! I do love the addition of the bible. Looks like a Gideons Int'l Bible - (you didn't steal it from a hotel room did ya? :chuckle:). Just kidding. Haha. My father has been a member of the Gideons for 35+ years and has handed out well over 100,000 Bibles.
Thanks for your investment!
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If you make it to Yakima I have some Knives and a new soft and hard rifle case .
I'll keep you posted if I come by that way. If anyone on this thread travels to the west side and would like to meet up sometime, please let me know. Thanks!
i live close and I’ll be back and forth to silver dale all summer
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If you make it to Yakima I have some Knives and a new soft and hard rifle case .
I'll keep you posted if I come by that way. If anyone on this thread travels to the west side and would like to meet up sometime, please let me know. Thanks!
i live close and I’ll be back and forth to silver dale all summer
PM Inbound. If you can also connect with "Jingles" on this thread, he's in Winthrop and would like to get some gear over to me as well. Maybe he'd be able to split the difference with ya and meet up sometime.
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If you make it to Yakima I have some Knives and a new soft and hard rifle case .
I'll keep you posted if I come by that way. If anyone on this thread travels to the west side and would like to meet up sometime, please let me know. Thanks!
i live close and I’ll be back and forth to silver dale all summer
PM Inbound. If you can also connect with "Jingles" on this thread, he's in Winthrop and would like to get some gear over to me as well. Maybe he'd be able to split the difference with ya and meet up sometime.
jingles, I’ll be in orondo Wednesday. If you can meet me let me know
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Two boxes headed your way tomorrow...fishing gear later
AWESOME!!!
Thanks so much! I do love the addition of the bible. Looks like a Gideons Int'l Bible - (you didn't steal it from a hotel room did ya? :chuckle:). Just kidding. Haha. My father has been a member of the Gideons for 35+ years and has handed out well over 100,000 Bibles.
Thanks for your investment!
When we opened our business the Gideons supplied us with Bibles for all our rooms and more to pass on.
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Fishing box shipping tomorrow too.
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Fishing box shipping tomorrow too.
Awesome!
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Two boxes headed your way tomorrow...fishing gear later
AWESOME!!!
Thanks so much! I do love the addition of the bible. Looks like a Gideons Int'l Bible - (you didn't steal it from a hotel room did ya? :chuckle:). Just kidding. Haha. My father has been a member of the Gideons for 35+ years and has handed out well over 100,000 Bibles.
Thanks for your investment!
When we opened our business the Gideons supplied us with Bibles for all our rooms and more to pass on.
Right on! :tup:
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Fishing box shipping tomorrow too.
Got your packages! Thanks so much for the items. Soon, I'll be getting a gear locker set up and will begin to organize it with items from your boxes and others' who are meeting up with me with gear.
I met with the pastor today, whom I sent on a deer hunt last fall with his two sons, and he's partnering with me to build a storage shed on his property to store donations from folks. Together, we're going to keep getting more guys into hunting, shooting, and outdoor sports.
I really appreciate your donation!
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:tup: :tup:
I am sure everything will be put to good use.
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Do you need some 3x cotton camo pants? I just noticed this thread for the first time.
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Sent ya a PM. I can send a pair of camo coveralls
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Do you need some 3x cotton camo pants? I just noticed this thread for the first time.
I won't say no to any donation. The goal is to fill a gear locker for future new hunters (no matter what size, age, or preferred hunting).
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Do you need some 3x cotton camo pants? I just noticed this thread for the first time.
I won't say no to any donation. The goal is to fill a gear locker for future new hunters (no matter what size, age, or preferred hunting).
My mother-in-law is sending me a SPE Buckeye take down recurve, 25 lbs pull at 28". The bow is 62" and comes with arrows. I'll get everything together and send it all. I'm sure there's some other stuff, as well. :tup:
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The guys and gals on this thread have been amazing already sending gear, meeting up, asking great questions, or donating funds. This coming weekend, I'll be taking 2 boys out who's dad is a pastor and has never hunted or fished. He grew up in the inner city, without a father who cared about the outdoors. He's expressed an interest in learning to shoot, hunt, fish, and more. So, I'll be taking he and the boys out. The boys are Zach and Levi, and are interested in archery and fishing.
I could really use some tackle boxes and kids archery equipment.
Last weekend, I took a group of guys out for a "guys weekend" to introduce them to some shooting sports. 2 of the men are pastors, and all 7 in the group are involved in ministry in a variety of ways. Out of the 7, only 3 had prior experience holding or shooting a gun of any kind (one of the pastors; a former marine; and myself). We took 2 days to do some training work with them to get them more acquainted. The end result was a lot of smiles, some busted clay targets, a pile of brass (expensive, I know, but worth it), and guys who are all raising teenagers who shared that they'd like to learn more and teach their kids. The pastor whose kids want to go fishing and shoot archery was a part of this group. It was very obvious he was new. But that was ok. He quickly learned shooting skills, range etiquette, and muzzle control.
Thanks to your involvement, I've got about 10+ people waiting in the wings looking to get plugged in. Some are women, men, and many of their children. If you know of a pastor or ministry leader or missionary who would like to hunt or fish (who's never been out before or who needs gear, please let me know.)
:tup:
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Thanks to everyone that's sent donations of gear so far! Keep it coming!
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Any animal related hunting stuff needed?
You have not mentioned ammunition or calibers you could use?
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.issued an opportunity earlier to get the archery equipment shuttled to Silverdale so if anyone is co.i g to or near Winthrop or even North Central WA please send me a PM verses posting here, had I seen someone was gonna be in Orono I'd of been more than Happy to have met them with 3 bows and 2 dz arrows
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Any animal related hunting stuff needed?
You have not mentioned ammunition or calibers you could use?
Thanks for asking. At this point, I'm not looking for any animal gear.
As to ammo, I'm looking specifically for the following:
- 308
- 30-06
- 22 lr
- 20 Gauge
- 12 Gauge
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Just found this thread. I’ll dig around and see what I have left. I should have a few bow sites, quivers, etc and plenty of fishing stuff and tackle boxes. Where in Kitsap are you?
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Just found this thread. I’ll dig around and see what I have left. I should have a few bow sites, quivers, etc and plenty of fishing stuff and tackle boxes. Where in Kitsap are you?
Silverdale. Thanks!
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Just found this thread. I’ll dig around and see what I have left. I should have a few bow sites, quivers, etc and plenty of fishing stuff and tackle boxes. Where in Kitsap are you?
Silverdale. Thanks!
:tup:
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Pm sent. Hunting, fishing gear and tackle boxes.
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Pm sent. Hunting, fishing gear and tackle boxes.
Got it. Will contact you later today! Thanks, Polar Bear!
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Shoot me a PM with the address. I have a box of hunting clothes and a bit of gear to send. Too far away for the drive.
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Shoot me a PM with the address. I have a box of hunting clothes and a bit of gear to send. Too far away for the drive.
PM sent. Thanks!
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Thanks Polar Bear for meeting up today with gear for this cause!
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Thanks Polar Bear for meeting up today with gear for this cause!
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You are more than welcome! I hope your trip home was uneventful.
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Thanks to Jingles who donated some bows and arrows. And to Storyteller for delivering them on Jingles’ behalf. Nice to grab a coffee today with you and get gear from both you guys, including fishing tackle and more arrows from Storyteller!
I spent some time taking gear that’s been donated by everyone and organizing them in bins, bags, and boxes.
Then, I set up three tackle boxes and some fishing rods for a coming fishing trip with a pastor and his two boys who’ve never fished. Hopefully the rain holds off tomorrow afternoon so we can enjoy some fishing.
Thanks to everyone so far who’s donated!
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I have some misc gear that I have been saving for you. Head lamp, 2-way radios, clothes etc. Let me know when and where.
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I have some misc gear that I have been saving for you. Head lamp, 2-way radios, clothes etc. Let me know when and where.
I’m in Silverdale. I can meet up whenever. I’m flexible on time. Where are you coming from?
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Update on gear used that was donated recently: https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,261347.msg3545996/topicseen.html#new
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I recently acquired a crossbow from a Hunt-WA member here who sold it to me for a very, very nice price. I was looking specifically for one to donate to a disabled missionary who was in a terrible accident as a teenager, lost a leg, lost most of his back, abdomen, and chest muscles. He received the donation this past week and is stoked to use it to hunt this fall.
You're donations and discounted purchases (which I make with financial donations) are making in impact!
Thank you!
* Face has been covered for privacy of the disabled missionary.
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I have a bunch of stuff for you. Where can I bring it?
Brian
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Found some more stuff. Rifle case, a couple scopes, and a GPS.
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Found some more stuff. Rifle case, a couple scopes, and a GPS.
I’m in Silverdale. I’ll send you a PM
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Just got another donation today! You folks are incredible!
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I know I have some clothing I can part with. May have some other stuff too, let me look around. I am in issaquah.
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I know I have some clothing I can part with. May have some other stuff too, let me look around. I am in issaquah.
Awesome! Thank you.
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This week I set out all the gear that's been donated to this cause and invited people who work in full-time ministry (pastors, missionaries, ministry directors, non-profit leaders) - who hunt or are learning to hunt - to come find some gear that they can use.
I've had 2 come by so far, who are new to hunting. They each took a variety of clothes (pants, shirts, hats, gloves), gun cases, knives, scent eliminator spray, backpacks, 2 bows (provided by Jingles), arrows, books, and more!
I have another coming tomorrow to take a look over the gear.
Thank you to all who've participated so far and for those gathering more gear. Hot ticket items have been backpacks, blaze orange vests, gun cases, ammo, knives, boots, and fishing gear (tackle boxes and terminal tackle).
*Photo below of one hunter with his new gear (the backpack was stuffed full of all kinds of gear) and the gun case also had a BB gun that someone donated. This hunter is one of 2 going on a deer hunt this fall with YJ Guide Service (paid for through donations).
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More gear came in today from another donor!
Also, was able to get some gear outfitted for 2 teenagers who are pastors' kids. They're working on their hunter's certification classes and are hoping to get some time out duck/goose hunting with my son and I this winter. Photo below is of them with some of the gear they found in the donation pile. Thanks to all who keep providing me with this resource!
I also took these two boys out fishing today. Story link here: https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,261347.msg3552415/topicseen.html#new
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Thanks for the update and glad there were a couple of lefties that could use the bows
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Thanks for the update and glad there were a couple of lefties that could use the bows
Yes! Those bows went to a family of 5 with 4 teen boys who are all left handed! They're so excited!
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Do you ever get to Tacoma area that’s about 1/2 way between where you are and from me I have a pop up blind I would like to donate if we can figure out an exchange point
@silverdalesauer
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Do you ever get to Tacoma area that’s about 1/2 way between where you are and from me I have a pop up blind I would like to donate if we can figure out an exchange point
@silverdalesauer
Yes. I'll send you a PM
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If you include me in that notice I may be able to get some stuff together as well and meet you in Tacoma.
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Pm sent
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If you include me in that notice I may be able to get some stuff together as well and meet you in Tacoma.
I’ll be at the Tacoma Bass Pro shop this Thursday evening meeting some different Hunt WA folks who are making donations. I’ll send you a PM.
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Pm sent
PM returned
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I made a trip Thursday evening to meet up with some various Hunt-WA members and came home last night (Friday) with a truckload of gear! (Spent the night at a relative's house down near Longview, then my truck broke down yesterday - so I got home at midnight. But in the meantime, met some great new friends who donated and gave some sweet stuff).
One of the guys gave me some really nice items and suggested I put them up for sale so I could use the money for mentor hunts. I'll post those up sometime soon.
Here's a couple photos from the gear gathered.
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A couple more photos
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Thanks to donors, this happened today. Keep sending your gear!
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Keep meaning to get the address from you to send some gear. PM me or post the address and I’ll get some stuff out to you. Great work you’re doing.
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The pile keeps growing.
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And growing…
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Keep meaning to get the address from you to send some gear. PM me or post the address and I’ll get some stuff out to you. Great work you’re doing.
PM Sent!
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And growing…
Awesome!
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Just got a new Guide Partner to host pastors and missionaries for awesome fishing adventures in Sitka, AK.
I can’t recommend these guys enough, as our family is here enjoying a week away and building new relationships with future partners.
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I'm making a trip to Tacoma on this Tuesday morning around 10am to meet up and collect donations for this gear drive. If anyone wants to meet me around that time, please send me a PM. Would love to combine trips for folks.
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Thanks to GWP for meeting up with me this week and giving a bunch of great donations! :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL:
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More News:
I took out 6 people this week on the water, both fresh and salt, to help pastors, missionaries, ministry leaders and their families learn to experience and enjoy the outdoors.
My son, (Nate, who's 15), was the deckhand on the boat and I oversaw our guests.
- We had 1 pastor's kid fishing for salmon and crab. He'd never caught either before. We had success, as he reeled in 2 coho and caught a bunch of rock crabs.
- We had 1 Ministry Director who brought out his kids over two days on fresh water to learn how to fish. None of them had any gear, so we hooked 'em up :chuckle: with rods, reels, tackle boxes, tackle. We paid for his license and discovery pass as well. And we had success!
- And then today, we took an Army Veteran and ministry leader out for some salmon fishing. He'd never fished from a boat before today. We changed that and sent him home with 2 beautiful coho. He was all grins.
Over and over again, I keep bragging on this Hunting Forum and the folks who keep donating gear or $ to allow me to introduce ministry leaders and their families to hunting or fishing. When a ministry leader or church pastor experiences the outdoors for the first time, their eyes are opened to a whole new world and a better understanding of why outdoorsmen love the interactions we encounter with one another and creation. And that's a great thing!
As to the New Deer Hunters we've been gathering gear for, as they prepare for this fall's deer hunt, one just texted me yesterday to share that he'd finished the Hunter's Certification classes.
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So very cool what you do and thank you for posting about your trips
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Glad to help! Already working on another box…
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So very cool what you do and thank you for posting about your trips
Thanks!
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Back from a week of vacation with the family. Just got an update from the two deer hunters - they're confirming that they're excited to go hunting this fall. They're so stoked.
Over the past month, I've been building a gear storage shed for all the donations that have come in and for the anticipated future. The lumber and siding has been donated by hunters that believe in what I'm doing. Thank you so much for your ongoing investment in this.
If you have gear you'd still like to donate, please let me know.
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Thanks to "Bushmantom" for meeting up today with some donations!
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Thanks to those who've invested in this work. We're just 2 months away from sending two new deer hunters on their first ever hunt. One of these men just became a father, as he and his wife adopted a beautiful baby girl. He's excited to be a dad that not only loves and cares for her, but has expressed to me that he wants to raise his children around the outdoors and invest in conservation and hunting/fishing.
Your investment in this project is having a lasting impact on generations to come. Thank you to all who've donated and to those still wanting to donate.
Please reach out to me if you'd like to set up a time to meet.
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:yeah: This is awesome what you are doing! :tup:
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:yeah: This is awesome what you are doing! :tup:
Thanks, Dale. I'd love to talk to you sometime about partnership too. Send me a PM and let's discuss setting up some guided hunting trips in the future for pastors and missionaries that I'm coaching/consulting and walking alongside. I'd love to get them plugged in with your guide service.
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The gear drive continues on.
Yesterday, while picking up a used safe, I shared with the seller what I've been doing to help pastors and ministry leaders get into hunting and fishing, by providing them with the gear, guns, ammo, etc. through donations.
She stood there for a quiet moment, then put her hands on her hips and said,
"Well, if that's the case, stick around! My husband and I have all kinds of stuff you can have. We are downsizing, selling the house and shop, and moving into a smaller home so I can take care of him."
Unfortunately, he's fallen on tough times as his back is seriously deteriorated, so this incredible hunter and fisherman was selling or donating all of his gear. I felt sad for him, that he could no longer get out to do the things that brought him so much joy.
For the better part of an hour, I listened to her tell stories about his hunting and fishing adventures, while she handed me a pile of fishing rods, waders, reels, etc. Up on the wall, were trophy antlers of his past hunts in Utah, ID, and WA. He apparently had a love for mulies, elk, goose, ducks, fly fishing, and more. But, no longer could he enjoy the gear.
I introduced her to my dog, Chester. He loves everyone. She was no exception. You could see the sadness in her eyes... Chester changed her demeanor. She gave him a hug and a treat, then thanked me for what I was doing for helping her clean up the shop.
Before I jumped in the car, I asked, "Can I say a prayer for you and your husband and his back pain? I know someone who's an amazing Physician who loves his creation."
"Oh, would you? That would be so great."
I didn't pretend to know if she believed in God, but just asked my Heavenly Father to bring comfort, healing, and if at all possible, give him one last hunt over a goose spread or on a big buck. I guess I pictured myself in his place in the next 20 years and realized, it's coming fast.
As I drove away with a truck full of more gear, I got a text from my new friends: "Thank you for coming today. I'm glad you got the safe. My husband is all smiles right now after he heard that you're using his gear to help others. He's wondering if you can come back up here soon to meet him - he's got more gear he wants to give you."
I have to admit, I pulled over on the side of the road, thanked God for my calling and for Mr. & Mrs. A who are now sitting in their house smiling and feeling useful once again. We all just need to feel a little value in this life.
So, I'm headed back next week. Can't wait to see my new friends and partners with this gear drive.
Thank you to all of you donors out there. I see you and I'm grateful.
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How awesome is that. God does amazing things!
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How awesome is that. God does amazing things!
He sure does!
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Special thanks to Birdguy and his son for dropping off a bunch of donations a couple days ago. The fishing rods and tackle boxes and clothing will definitely be used!
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Thank you, @Nash, for driving up to meet with me and drop of some boxes of gear! I'm so grateful!
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It was our pleasure! It is a great cause and when we find more stuff its headed your way too! :tup:
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It was our pleasure! It is a great cause and when we find more stuff its headed your way too! :tup:
Awesome guys! Thanks.
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Thanks to 10mm for your donation!
Hunting-Washington Forum members are amazing! :IBCOOL:
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Shoot me a PM with an address. I know I’ve got plenty of fishing gear that I’ll donate and I’m confident I’ve got some extra hunting stuff laying around not being used.
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Shoot me a PM with an address. I know I’ve got plenty of fishing gear that I’ll donate and I’m confident I’ve got some extra hunting stuff laying around not being used.
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Will do!
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Man, this group of outdoorsmen and women are absolutely incredible. I am so humbled.
I met up today with another great forum member who took me by surprise when he handed me a pile of donated gear (most items were brand new/unused or lightly used), including ammo, clothing, archery gear, shotgun choke tubes, 8-person tent, 3-person tent, turkey gear, targets, boots, hats, socks, and a brand new muzzleloader with all the necessary accessories. :IBCOOL:
I met up with another guy today who's helping me with another project, getting a recently retired Navy Chaplin with some much needed archery equipment.
Then, later on, I got a call from someone who has a Costco sized cooler waiting for me (new) to give to our new deer hunters.
THANK YOU EVERYONE!
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Two weeks out!
The two pastors who are going on this hunt are stoked! All the gear is gathered (thanks to you), the guide service is paid (thanks to financial donors), the guns have been run through some sighting in and shooting for different ranges, the guys completed their hunter's ed certificates, licenses have been bought, and now we wait for the next two weeks to get here!
Thanks to all who've participated.
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Two weeks out!
The two pastors who are going on this hunt are stoked! All the gear is gathered (thanks to you), the guide service is paid (thanks to financial donors), the guns have been run through some sighting in and shooting for different ranges, the guys completed their hunter's ed certificates, licenses have been bought, and now we wait for the next two weeks to get here!
Thanks to all who've participated.
Wow, I know the effort for you has been Herculean. Well done doing and completing all of this. :tup: :tup: :tup:
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Shoot me a PM with an address. I know I’ve got plenty of fishing gear that I’ll donate and I’m confident I’ve got some extra hunting stuff laying around not being used.
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Will do!
If you still need some more fishing gear shoot me a PM with an address to send it to. I’ve got lots to spare that I’m happy to donate to the cause
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Thanks!
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Two weeks out!
The two pastors who are going on this hunt are stoked! All the gear is gathered (thanks to you), the guide service is paid (thanks to financial donors), the guns have been run through some sighting in and shooting for different ranges, the guys completed their hunter's ed certificates, licenses have been bought, and now we wait for the next two weeks to get here!
Thanks to all who've participated.
Wow, I know the effort for you has been Herculean. Well done doing and completing all of this. :tup: :tup: :tup:
Thanks!
Did I send you photos of the bow that you donated? It went to an 11 year old who loves it!
His father is a pastor with zero hunting experience. I’m hoping to take them out sometime this next year.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211008/f6bd8faaf103b4713ab46cf41d8f849c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211008/44feeea31e5c7314f06d750a9c81dbad.jpg)
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That’s awesome Jeff thanks for posting
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Well, this is the week of the hunt! Thanks again to all those who helped make this trip possible for 2 brand new deer hunters who are fully outfitted now and hopefully will have some success. No matter what happens, I know both pastors are thankful for your investment in them.
Hopefully, by this time next week, I'll be writing up a report with photos for you! :tup:
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Update coming this week!
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"Walking with God" - A Personal Account from a Pastor and Recipient of the 2021 Outdoor Restorative Retreat Hunting Trip
As a ministry professional, I had never had the opportunity to pursue the idea of becoming an outdoor sportsman (hunting) before this year. But I had dreamed about it. I had a fascination with firearms, how to use them, and the idea of pursuing wild game for food. So, when Jeff from Paraclete Mission Group (www.paraclete.net) approached me with a grant to learn the process of how to hunt and learn a new way to rest and rejuvenate my passion for ministry - I jumped at the idea. This was an opportunity to pursue both practical skills and learn new habits of rest in a way that I never thought was going to be achievable.
The first step was to complete a hunter’s education safety course. I found it to be filled with information with which I hadn’t expected to be interacting. Not only did it help me practice better firearm safety and use, but it contained awareness about conservation, how to track wild game, how weather conditions effect animal habits, and much more.
As the preparation for the hunt continued, I was surprised with how much planning goes into an endeavor like this. Without the support from Jeff, who met with me throughout the last year on a regular basis to check in with me and my ministry, I would never have been able to make a trip like this possible. Whether it was booking a semi-guided hunt with a guide service; acquiring a firearm and sighting it in; getting donations of camouflage clothing, backpacks, binoculars, and ammunition; booking a lodging facility; buying licenses; and even Jeff lending us a vehicle that was big enough for a journey like this - there was a lot that went into the planning of this trip.
All these things take some serious time and money. For someone like me, a pastor in full-time ministry who’s on call all the time, while having a family, this first hurdle seemed insurmountable. But God provided a way, through the Ministry Care Fund grant provided by Paraclete Mission Group that Jeff created and the generous donors who invested. What a valuable tool to teach pastors like me how I could learn the habit of resting while being active in the outdoors. And it couldn’t have come at a better time.
This last year of ministry has been the hardest year of my life. When Jeff and I began to plan this trip, my friend, Jon, gave me an extra rifle scope for the hunt to use on my rifle. He and I were deeply close Christian brothers. He was someone whom I shared my family with and enjoyed his companionship in many ways. We’d spend time together discussing our faith, our dreams, and the activities we wanted to do together. I really loved our friendship.
Then, just three days after he gave me a scope, Jon passed away in a freak accident. I was crushed. Not only did I lose a best friend, but the very thought of hunting and becoming an outdoorsman was directly tied to his love of the outdoors, too. And now, I would have to decide if it was worth it to even bother. Could I enjoy the thought of hunting or hiking without his company with me? Would it be worth it?
I decided that it was worth the try.
So, soon after his death, I decided in my heart that this hunting trip was no longer just a trip to get away from the business of ministry, but rather, it became a way to honor Jon’s friendship and generosity while also strengthening my relationship with the Lord. The last 10 months had been tough. Not only did I lose Jon, but I also endured the strains of ministry when several other relationships within ministry became strained. And so, I began to eagerly look forward to a time to get out into the woods and just be alone with God and be alone in the outdoors.
As it goes, I spent 4 days on a semi-guided deer hunting trip in Eastern Washington with another pastor. We encountered lots of deer, mostly does and a few immature bucks, but what an experience to hike, scout, and entertain the beauty of the hunt!
And although we didn’t harvest a deer, I began to realize that the harvest I really needed was in the experience itself. Taking the time to be quiet in the outdoors, especially while walking, was one of the best ways for me to find rest. I can clearly see now that the world around me is busy, and that busyness gets ingrained into us all. This trip really helped to re-center my heart and mind with the Lord.
Getting away reminded me to spend more time with Him. I think this was my biggest take away from this whole experience. When life gets crazy and people get distracted from God, taking the time to be alone with God in the outdoors can make a dramatic difference. As a result - I have a new appreciation for the outdoors and the God who created it for myself. I look forward to taking more walks with him while searching for wild game. Who knows, maybe next year I’ll find what I’m looking for or maybe I already have.
Thankfully, “D”
*PS Because of your support for pastors like “D”, we’re giving ministry leaders the opportunity to dream, rest, and refresh. This is a unique way to address the stress and anxieties that ministry leaders face in difficult world. Thank you for giving ministry leaders a chance to find healing and rest this year!
Thanks again, to all who've invested in this project this year! To give more donations or financially to support this work, please send me a PM.
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Another Update: The gear shed is complete! Your donations will allow us to gather and give more used or new gear away in 2022! Thanks for all who've been a part of this project.
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Wow, this post has been viewed or read over 13,000 times. That's incredible.
As the winter fades away, I'm beginning to look at this year's gear gathering and upcoming fishing/hunting opportunities to expand this work. I've been busy raising funds to secure more guided trips, more new gear, and more space. We've finished building the gear shed and are now filling it with shelving and storage bins.
Recently, I was able to donate a number of bows and archery gear to a like-minded Hunt-WA member who's investing in veterans and youth. The bows weren't getting any use, so I felt that it'd be worth it to get them into someone's hands. Immediately, he presented them to a number of guys and kids who are now learning the art of archery.
I'm glad to share what resources I can to help others learn.
If you've got gear you'd like to donate, please send me a PM with your name, phone number and a description of what you've got available.
Thanks everyone. :tup:
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I still have a pair of insolated Rocky boots size 11 for you (NEB). I just don't get across the green monster very often.
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I still have a pair of insolated Rocky boots size 11 for you (NEB). I just don't get across the green monster very often.
No worries. Thank you.
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Exciting Update:
This spring/summer, I have teamed up with a guy who's created a Blacktail Hunting seminar class. He's sharing his tips and tactics with hunters who want to better learn how to hunt black tails in WA and OR. I'll be providing scholarships to pastors and ministry professionals to attend his classes.
Learn more about his business at The Blacktail Coach: https://www.facebook.com/Blacktailcoach
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Very cool!
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Thanks to KNOPHISH for the donation last week.