State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Celebrates Winners of 2025 Youth Hunting Story Contest at State Capitol
HELENA, Mont. – Honoring Montana’s hunting heritage, Governor Greg Gianforte today celebrated ten winners of his fourth annual Youth Hunting Story Contest in a ceremony at the State Capitol.
“It’s always an honor to welcome the ten winners of the Youth Hunting Story Contest to the State Capitol to hear their stories, celebrate their accomplishments, and recognize their dedication, skill, and respect for the outdoors,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These young hunters represent the heart of Montana’s proud outdoor heritage, and it’s inspiring to see their passion and commitment firsthand.”
Gov. Gianforte recognizing Kael Milam of Havre as one of ten winners of the 2025 Youth Hunting Story Contest during a ceremony held at the State Capitol
Gov. Gianforte created the Youth Hunting Story contest in 2022 for Montana youth and apprentice hunters between the ages of 10 and 17. To enter the contest, resident hunters had to submit a story of no more than 500 words and a photo from their hunt. Eligible entries included the harvest of any legal game, furbearer animals, or birds in Montana.
The governor recognized the ten winning hunters in the State Capitol this afternoon. Winning hunters received prizes from Stone Glacier, Vista Outdoor, Sitka, J2 Taxidermy, Kenetrek, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, Murdoch’s, and Zink’s Big Sky Archery Targets.
“This contest is about more than prizes. It’s about celebrating the next generation of hunters who will keep Montana’s outdoors strong for years to come,” the governor added. “I thank Stone Glacier, Vista Outdoor, Sitka, J2 Taxidermy, Kenetrek, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, Murdoch’s, and Zink’s Big Sky Archery Targets for their generosity in supporting these young hunters and helping us honor Montana’s proud hunting heritage.”
The winning hunters are below, and their stories can be viewed here. A video of the ceremony held at the State Capitol can be viewed here.
Xavier McCormack of Helena (11 years old) for the story of his bird dog Willy and their pheasant hunt.
Kael Milam of Havre (12 years old) for the story of his first year of hunting antelope.
Beau Becker of Brockton (13 years old) for the story of his Thanksgiving Day buck.
Emmy Parsons of Boulder (13 years old) for the story of her deer hunt with her grandpa and uncle.
Scott Johnson of Columbia Falls (13 years old) for the story of his archery day success even with a little bear spray mishap.
Brooklyn Bieber of Frenchtown (14 years old) for the story of her “walk and wait’ deer hunt.
Wyatt McKenzie of East Helena (14 years old) for the story of his appreciation to Montana private landowners and his opportunity to harvest an elk.
Eliana Johnston of Laurel (15 years old) for the story about standing by her hunting ethics during her elk hunt.
Isaiah Kuehnel of St. Ignatius (15 years old) for the story of his thankful spirit during his deer hunt.
Samuel Kirby of Belt (17 years old) for the story of his first solo elk hunt.
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