49 | May 7, 2025
I began this journey in the spring of 2020 as a junior in high school, driven by a desire to kill turkeys and prove something to myself—or maybe to the people around me. At the time, I lacked maturity or any moral virtues beyond the basic lessons my uncle and mentors, who introduced me to turkey hunting as a young boy, had instilled in me. But somewhere along the way, that narrative shifted. What started as a hunt for turkeys evolved into a deeper pursuit of relationships, spiritual growth, and moral development, shaping me into the man I am today. It’s taught me patience, grit, work ethic, and, perhaps most importantly, taught me to be selfless in a process that’s inherently selfish. I’ve transformed from a turkey hunter into a conservationist, mindful of the impact I leave on the land and the future of turkey hunting. I am a product of this relentless pursuit, and for that, I’m thankful! I owe so much to the mentors and friends who supported me along the way. Thank you for the midnight phone calls during long solo drives, for the places I’ve stayed- driveways, barns, and yards that became my temporary home. You all kept me going when quitting seemed tempting. Thank you to my family at Chasing49 and 18feathers for being here every step of the way. To those still chasing this, remember, leave a positive footprint for turkeys and uphold the reputation of our community. Above all, protect your love for this process. There will be times when the weight of the journey feels too heavy, when the process begins to sour, and you’ll want to quit. It’s in those moments you must slow down and safeguard that love. This process is sacred. Cherish the fact you’ll only experience the thrill of driving through the night chasing that first gobble in a new state after zero sleep once.
I’m filled with both joy and a touch of sadness knowing I’ll never chase that feeling again. God bless the U.S. Super Slam. Amen!
