On December 29th, Governor Greg Gianforte announced the winners of the 2025 Youth Hunting Story Contest.
“Montana’s youth hunters are the future of our state’s proud hunting tradition,” said Gov. Gianforte. “We received nearly 150 stories from young hunters across Montana this year, each showing passion, skill, and respect for the outdoors. I look forward to welcoming the top ten winners to the State Capitol in the new year to celebrate their achievements and our hunting heritage.”
Governor Gianforte established the Youth Hunting Story Contest in 2022 for Montana youth and apprentice hunters aged 10 to 17. To participate, resident hunters submitted a story of no more than 500 words along with a photo from their hunt. Eligible entries included the harvest of any legal game, furbearer animals, or birds in Montana.
The governor will honor the ten winning hunters at the State Capitol in the new year. The winners will receive prizes from various sponsors, including 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.
“Our partners have stepped up to provide incredible prizes that will support these young hunters 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 and for helping us honor Montana’s next generation of hunters.”
The winning hunters are as follows,
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 for 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.
By Karen Anderson: December 29, 2025 – Helena, Mt
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
