2026 Adventure Photos
The middle of May brought an unforgettable moment for Gabe Kessel of White Bear Lake, MN. On his guided black bear hunt in Manitoba, Gabe harvested a Canadian black bear — a milestone earned through patience, determination and heart.
Because of his illness, Gabe had to learn to shoot left‑handed just to make this hunt possible. Watching him overcome that challenge and succeed in the field is something none of us will forget.
A big thank you to Darryl & Dylan Kantimer of DOA Outfitters for helping make this possible.
Incredible grit. Incredible moment.
Congratulations, Gabe!!
Some adventures just mean more than others.
Joe Kessel, a 17‑year U.S. Army veteran from White Bear Lake, carries injuries from burn pit exposure during his service in Iraq. Joe is the father of recipient Gabe Kessel, who bagged his Manitoba black bear the day before.
This Manitoba black bear hunt gave Joe and Gabe something priceless — time together in the wilderness, sharing an experience neither will ever forget.
Our thanks to Darryl and Dylan at DOA Outfitters for helping make this happen.
Congratulations Joe & Gabe! We couldn't be happier for you!
Nate Noonan of Rochester, MN lived out a moment that he'll never forget — a guided black bear hunt in Manitoba at DOA Outfitters with Darryl & Dylan Kantimer.
After years of fighting leukemia, enduring multiple transplants, and pushing through challenge after challenge, Nate finally got to step into the woods with a bow to make this dream happen. And he came home with a story he’ll never forget.
Nate harvested a 309‑pound Canadian black bear, taken cleanly and skillfully with his bow. We couldn’t be more proud of him — not just for the harvest, but for the strength, grit and spirit that carried him to this moment.
Congrats Nate!
We’re thrilled to share that Jason Chmielewski from Woodbury, MN harvested a Manitoba black bear at DOA Outfitters in early May.
Jason served 4 years in the U.S. Army and 11 years in the U.S. Navy, enduring multiple service‑related injuries including two surgeries on his right knee and additional surgeries on his neck, spine, lower back and left shoulder.
After everything he’s been through, seeing Jason out there in the Manitoba wilderness, smiling behind a successful bear hunt, is exactly why we do what we do.
Congratulations, Jason — you earned this moment.
After a long medical journey filled with challenges no child should ever face, 5‑year‑old Scarlet Nelson enjoyed a week of pure wonder at Give Kids the World Village.
She explored Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld — no lines, no stress, just childhood joy.
Scarlet, you are a warrior and a light to everyone around you.
MJ Arns of Monticello has battled Ewing’s Sarcoma with incredible strength — enduring chemo, radiation, lung treatments, and even a cadaver bone replacement. When his cancer returned, we knew he deserved an unforgettable adventure.
In early May, MJ went sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River with guide Trent Eineichner, whose expertise helped MJ land several giants… including this 66-inch beast.
Congrats, MJ!! I hope you have a big wall for the mount of that beast.