Gov. Greg Gianforte recognized ten Montana youth during a ceremony at the State Capitol, celebrating the winners of his fourth annual Youth Hunting Story Contest and highlighting the state’s long-standing hunting traditions.
The contest, created by Gianforte in 2022, is open to Montana resident youth and apprentice hunters between the ages of 10 and 17. Participants are required to submit a story of no more than 500 words along with a photo from their hunt. Eligible entries include the harvest of any legal game, furbearer, or bird in Montana.
During the Capitol ceremony, the governor praised the winning students for their dedication to the outdoors and their respect for Montana’s hunting heritage. The ten winners were formally recognized and received prizes donated by a range of outdoor and conservation organizations, including Stone Glacier, Vista Outdoor, Sitka, J2 Taxidermy, Kenetrek, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, Murdoch’s, and Zink’s Big Sky Archery Targets.
State officials said the contest is designed to encourage ethical hunting, storytelling, and outdoor stewardship among young Montanans while celebrating the role hunting plays in the state’s culture and economy.
The 2025 Youth Hunting Story Contest winners are:
Xavier McCormack of Helena, 11, for a story about his bird dog, Willy, and a pheasant hunt.
Kael Milam of Havre, 12, for a story describing his first season hunting antelope.
Beau Becker of Brockton, 13, for a story recounting a Thanksgiving Day buck hunt.
Emmy Parsons of Boulder, 13, for a story about a deer hunt shared with her grandfather and uncle.
Scott Johnson of Columbia Falls, 13, for a story detailing an archery hunt that included an unexpected bear spray mishap.
Brooklyn Bieber of Frenchtown, 14, for a story describing her “walk and wait” deer hunt.
Wyatt McKenzie of East Helena, 14, for a story expressing appreciation for Montana private landowners and the opportunity to harvest an elk.
Eliana Johnston of Laurel, 15, for a story focused on upholding hunting ethics during an elk hunt.
Isaiah Kuehnel of St. Ignatius, 15, for a story reflecting gratitude during a deer hunt.
Samuel Kirby of Belt, 17, for a story recounting his first solo elk hunt.
The winning stories and a video of the ceremony are available through the governor’s office.