One Veteran's Unforgettable Hunt at Jack Creek Preserve
12/19/2023
The Jack Creek Preserve Foundation promotes wildlife conservation and outdoor education to inspire a personal connection and commitment to nature. Below is a story of partnership between the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation and Warriors & Quiet Waters. Both organizations shared a common goal: to give an outstanding, restorative hunting experience to a veteran.
Abi King, Executive Director of Jack Creek Preserve Foundation, reached out to Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW) in search of an interested veteran. Her organization’s Preserve had a week-long opening after another hunter had to reschedule. Abi thought of WQW first to see if they could donate the hunt to one of our veterans.
At the same time, WQW Alum, guide, and U.S. Army Reserve Green Beret, Jordan was just returning from a 6-month deployment overseas. Given that Jordan is an avid DIY public land hunter, he was recommended for the hunt.
Jordan had a once in a lifetime experience exploring the Preserve and the surrounding Lee Metcalf Wilderness, and seeing various forms of wildlife, such as elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, and a wolf.
“Warm weather made hunting conditions a little tough. We found bulls everyday but had a hard time trying to make a play. We usually only had 30 minutes in the morning before the elk went into the dark timber to bed for the day. It was a week-long game of cat and mouse, trying to predict where the elk would be the next morning, then setting up for an opportunity,” Jordan explained.
“There was definitely more pressure as everyday passed without harvesting an elk, but looking back, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It made for a more rewarding experience and allowed me to soak up every bit of time on Jack Creek Preserve.”
Jack Creek Preserve is located in Madison County, Montana between Ennis and Big Sky in the Madison Mountains. The property is comprised of 4,500 acres that join two sections of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The Jack Creek Preserve Foundation manages this landscape to increase biodiversity and maintain and improve habitat and to provide special opportunities for education and research.
Photo Credit: Jack Creek Preserve Foundation
After continued patience, Jordan harvested a bull on the last morning of his hunt, bringing his week-long hunting journey full circle. He was extremely moved by his experience on the Jack Creek Preserve. Jordan stated,
“This was truly one of the best weeks of hunting in my life. I am beyond grateful and humbled to be afforded this opportunity. It’s a week I’ll never forget.”
Brian Gilman, Col, USMC (Ret) and CEO of Warriors & Quiet Waters, truly appreciates the collaboration between WQW and the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation. He states, “The partnership between WQW and Jack Creek Preserve Foundation that resulted in Jordan’s hunt wasn’t anything formal. I think it’s just a great example of the power of generosity, relationships, and gratitude: Generosity in that Abi called me to offer the hunt to a deserving veteran. Relationships in that both organizations have worked to develop a relationship of trust and respect for each other’s mission. And gratitude in Jordan’s reflections on the days he spent on Jack Creek Preserve, which he called a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Abi King shared “our mission of ‘Preserving wildlife and its habitat…’ is directly connected to the role of hunting in conservation. We are thrilled that our partnership with WQW made it possible for Jordan to spend time on the property and have a great experience! ‘By educating youth about the importance of conservation’ we strive to inspire future hunter conservationists.”
Warriors & Quiet Waters guides post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and find peace, meaning, and purpose through fly fishing and other inspirational activities in nature. We are grateful to the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation for their support of our mission, and for their generous action in helping Jordan find peace in the wilderness.
