Governor Gianforte Announces Winners of the 2023 Youth Hunting Story Contest

• December 12 2023

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the winners of the 2023 Governor’s Youth Hunting Story Contest.

“Every youth hunter in Montana should be proud of the hunting legacy they’re helping carry on,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With nearly 400 submissions, we had many great hunting stories from youth hunters across the state. I’m thrilled to welcome the ten winners to the State Capitol in the new year to celebrate, and I encourage folks to read their stories.”

Sierra Dockter of Conrad, one of 10 youth hunters recognized as a winner of the 2023 Governor’s Youth Hunting Story Contest

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 submitted a story of no more than 500 words about their hunt and a photo from their hunt. Eligible entries included the harvest of any legal game, furbearer animals, or birds in Montana. Read their stories here.

The governor will recognize the ten winning hunters in the State Capitol in the new year. Winning hunters will receive prizes from Stone Glacier, Vista Outdoor, Sitka, J2 Taxidermy, Kenetrek, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

“Thanks to our prize partners, there are some great prizes for our winners to aid them as they continue hunting for years to come,” the governor said. “I thank Stone Glacier, Vista Outdoor, Sitka, J2 Taxidermy, Kenetrek, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for their generosity and helping us celebrate these young hunters.”

The winning hunters are below, and their stories can be viewed here.

• Aidan Walker of Miles City (10 years old) for the story of his mule deer hunt.

• Caroline Dudden of Great Falls (13 years old) for the story of her mule deer hunt.

• Inslee Moran of Arlee (10 years old) for the story of her elk hunt.

• Maizy Miller of Missoula (16 years old) for the story of her pheasant hunt.

• Mollie Ruth of Big Timber (17 years old) for the story of her elk hunt.

• Samuel Prescott of Florence (17 years old) for the story of his mule deer hunt.

• Sierra Dockter of Conrad (16 years old) for the story of her antelope hunt.

• Weston Hobley of Capitol (15 years old) for the story of his mule deer hunt.

• William Sheehan of Big Sky (13 years old) for the story of his mallard duck hunt.

• Wyatt Smith of Billings (10 years old) for the story of his mule deer hunt.