South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures continuing outdoor appreciation mission

RAPID CITY, S.D. — As the Black Hills Sports Show and Outdoor Expo gets underway at The Monument, some are enjoying the booths and maybe cashing in on some great deals.

But there’s also a group fundraiser to benefit an organization continuing its goal of giving children a chance to experience the joys of hunting at no cost to them.

South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures has been passing on a love for the outdoors to a younger generation for almost 15 years.

Whether the purpose of that hunting trip is to put that next wall hanger up or not, the children are finding the experience the trophy.

“I love getting out there and just being in nature, it kind of, it’s like being a caveman, if you get what I’m saying,” said Gage Scott, a Member of the South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures.

It’s safe to say the experience isn’t wasted on them.

“It’s fun out there,” said member Grayson Iverson. “You live experiences you never think you would.”

After all, that’s why this organization was founded.

“That’s the kids we’re after, the ones to never get that chance,” said John Hill, a Board Member of the Organization. “We give them the chance. We take them out (to hunt).”

The children are paired with mentors, that have become more than just a guide.

“Literally a brother to you or a sister and they’re always heartwarming, kind, loving. It’s a great connection you have with another person,” said Member Jaxon Jung.

Teaching lessons in every spectrum, including how to clean the animal, and provide for themselves.

“Normally when you’re cooking, you just grab a piece of meat, throw it on the stove, and then it’s cooked,” said Member Gavin Scott. “You have to take all the fur off the deer and you have to, all stuff, make it into steaks. It’s just a different experience.”

The organizations holds two fundraisers, that are vital to keeping the experience alive.

“All our proceeds go straight to South Dakota Youth Hunting,” Hill said. “So that’s a big part of our profits. Without that, we couldn’t, we couldn’t have the program.”

If you’d like to donate, click here.