Healing Through The Outdoors

04/21/2026

***SHORT NOTICE TRIP*** (must be available on a weekday & therefore be willing to miss school)

••• Deadline to enter will be Thursday 4/23 •••

We are looking to take ONE youth hunter, who has never hunted or harvested a turkey, out for a weekday hunt. We are specifically looking for a child who has never hunted or harvested a turkey before and is ready for their first chance at one, so please do not apply if your child has harvested a turkey before.

• A youth hunter who has never taken a turkey
• Need to be available on a weekday
• Must have all required NC hunting licenses and tags
• Camo if possible, but all black clothing is ok as we will be in a blind
• A gun can be provided if needed

This will be a guided hunt with guides who love teaching kids, building confidence, and creating memories that last. Whether the birds cooperate or not, the goal is to give a young hunter a safe, meaningful, and exciting first experience in the woods.

To enter,

• Your child’s name and age
• Confirmation that they’ve never harvested a turkey
• A short note about why this opportunity would matter to them
• Like, and SHARE this post (any entries who do not do both will not be selected)

If you know a kid who’s been wanting to try turkey hunting, tag their parent or guardian so they don’t miss this chance.

HTO is proud to help the next generation learn, grow, and discover the outdoors one hunt at a time.

04/07/2026

Easter Sunday was Day 2 of NC’s youth weekend, and it definitely did not disappoint for one of our youth hunters!

Sean and Josh took out first time hunter, Cameron Schinlaub with his mom and dad early that morning and this gobbler was already down for the count 10 minutes after sunrise. He did everything right to give Cam and family one of the greatest shows of spring, and on Easter morning. You couldn’t ask for a better hunt!

After that morning’s hunt, all our youth hunters and families joined the HTO family for an afternoon of Easter egg hunts, delicious food, memories, tall tales and finally some well earned rest!

HTO would also like to say a huge thank you to the Schinlaub, Castillo and Clifford families for providing such delicious food for our Easter Dinner.

04/05/2026

Youth Weekend kicked off yesterday here in NC and we had two hunters who showed nothing but grit, patience, and heart.

We started the day with HTO’s own IzzyJae and a new youth hunter James heading out on separate properties, both hoping to connect early.

Izzy’s morning was quiet on the trigger but full of excitement.. just not so much for her while she grabbed “the best nap ever” in the blind, and Josh and Megan listened to gobbles echo through the woods off in the distance— the kind that make your heart jump even when you aren’t quite awake yet. A curious hen even hung out with them for nearly an hour, keeping things interesting even without a shot opportunity.

Across the way, James and his family along with Sean were experiencing a very different kind of morning. The woods were still and quiet — the kind of uneventful sit every hunter knows well. No excitement, no gobbles, no movement, just patience and hope carrying them through slow hours.

Everyone went back to the Simmonds’ house a little before 11am for a nap, some food, relaxation and rest before another evening in the woods.

Izzy and her crew were back out around 230, hoping to catch a bird slipping through the field. About thirty minutes in, two hens came in from behind them… and fifteen minutes later, they dragged out a beautiful tom like they were escorting royalty. Izzy settled in, made a perfect shot, and wrapped up her Youth Weekend bird in a 45‑minute afternoon hunt. Pure magic.

Meanwhile, patience finally paid off for James. After a couple hours of quiet woods, heat hot enough to melt and a lot of waiting, a gorgeous tom finally slipped in silently to their setup. He gave James all the time he needed to breathe, settle, and make a clean, confident shot. And just like that, his first turkey was on the ground — and a new passion was born… not just for James, but his entire family.

His exact words afterward:
“Nothing is going to stop me from turkey hunting now!”

These are the days we live for. Long, hot, quiet, thrilling, exhausting, unforgettable — and absolutely worth every second to watch young hunters fall in love with the outdoors.

04/05/2026

HTO Turkey Hunt – April 14th

We’re looking to take ONE veteran out for a special turkey hunt — someone who has never hunted or harvested a turkey before.

This hunt will take place on April 14th, and is open to veterans in or around the Cameron / Fayetteville, NC area, or willing to travel at their own expense.

Meet-up Time: 5:15 AM
Meet-up Location: Will be discussed directly with the selected veteran by the HTO rep/hunt coordinator.

Requirements

• Must have all required NC hunting licenses and turkey tags
• Must have camo clothing (or black if hunting from a blind)
• A gun can be provided if needed
• Bring snacks, drinks, and essentials for a possible all‑day hunt

How to Enter

Comment why this hunt would be important to you or why you want to go.
We want to hear your story — whether you’re chasing your first bird, looking for a new challenge, or hoping for time in the woods to reconnect.

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from all of us at HTO and to all the youth out hunting this Easter weekend! Pictures to come soon from our hunts this weekend.

03/21/2026

01/12/2026

Manteo/Outer Banks Offshore Fishing Trip – February 2026
We are heading back to the coast for another unforgettable day on the water targeting bluefin tuna!

HTO will be selecting 4 veterans for a one-day guided fishing trip near Oregon Inlet NC, happening February 1st, 2nd, or 3rd (final date will be chosen based on weather and fishing conditions).

Here’s what’s included:

• One full day of fishing with a professional captain and mate
• Lodging and dinner the night before your trip

What you’ll need to cover:

• A $100 tip for the captain and mate (standard practice for chartered trips) and transportation to and from lodging and where meeting Captain.

Important Details:

• Veterans will be selected on Sunday, January 18th
• The exact fishing date will be confirmed by the captain 3–5 days prior, based on the best weather and bite window
• The boat captain has full discretion to make all final decisions regarding weather, safety, and trip logistics

——

To enter - please answer ALL these questions below (feel free to message us privately if you’d like)

• Branch of Service:
• Current Status:
• Years Served:
• Have you ever been on a guided fishing trip before?
• If yes, when was your most recent trip?
• How often do you get opportunities like this (outdoor trips, veteran retreats, etc.)?
• Why does this trip matter to you right now?
• Is there anything else you’d like us to know, or any special accommodations you may need?

Please note - this event will not include any HTO representatives, and will be alcohol free.

12/25/2025

Wishing all of our friends, family and followers a very Merry Christmas filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of magic.