Recently, Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) partnered with Scholastic 3-D Archery (S3DA) to award a donated bow deer license for New Mexico to an Oregon youth.
Because deer licenses are limited in the West, both organizations agreed to hold a drawing to award this limited deer hunting license. Twenty youth applicants from across the United States applied for the chance to win this hunt and Matthew Ebner from the Umpqua Valley Archers in Roseburg, Oregon was the lucky winner.
“The S3DA New Mexico mule deer hunt that I won was the best hunt I have ever been on,” Matthew said. “Getting to hunt a new state and terrain was amazing and an experience that I will never forget. Although I didn’t harvest a deer, I got incredibly close and will never forget spot and stalking the mule deer of Unit 37 near Capitan, New Mexico. Thanks to the generosity of the Safari Club International Foundation and S3DA, I made memories with my dad that I will never forget.”
“While driving on the highway leaving town, I looked over at Matthew,” Matthew’s father said. “He was gazing out the window of the truck at the mountains we had been hunting the last several days. I could tell he was in deep reminiscent thought. After several minutes, he turned to me and said, ‘Dad, thank you for bringing me. This is the best hunting trip I’ve ever been on.’ If that doesn’t equate to a successful hunt, then I don’t know what does! After all, a successful hunt is about much more than just harvesting an animal and as a Dad, I’m so proud to know that my son already understands this. We want to thank Safari Club International and for providing this opportunity and making this hunt possible. Safari Club International’s work in protecting the freedom to hunt while promoting wildlife conservation is such a noble cause. We thank you so much for all of the work you do!”
Matthew had a lot of fun hunting new terrain, spotting lots of deer, and found a great pair of shed mule deer antlers. He was close to getting a shot on the first day, but the following days the deer were on the run or out of range. Matthew’s mother, Jenny Ebner, was extremely thankful for this amazing opportunity that brought Matthew a once-in-a-lifetime hunt.