More Than the Harvest

Six years ago, if you had asked me if I'd ever become a hunter, my answer would have been a quick "no."

When I started working at MTN OPS, I admired the passion my coworkers had for the outdoors, but I didn't fully understand it. I'd hear stories around the office about early mornings in the mountains, unforgettable hunts, and freezers full of wild game that would feed families for months. It was inspiring, but it still felt like a world I wasn't part of.

Little by little, that changed.

The people I work with didn't just talk about hunting—they talked about stewardship, gratitude, family, and hard work. I realized hunting wasn't simply about harvesting an animal. It was about earning an experience, respecting the resource, and providing for the people you love.

Then I started dating my boyfriend, Jake, an avid hunter, who has patiently taught me more than I ever expected to know about hunting. Every trip outdoors became another opportunity to learn, grow, and gain a deeper appreciation for the lifestyle. Looking back, I can honestly say I had no idea what I was missing.

One of the many reasons I'm grateful to work at MTN OPS is the opportunities we're given to experience the outdoors firsthand. Through our employee hunt draw, I was fortunate enough to draw an axis deer tag with Maui Hunting Safaris. To make it even better, one of my closest friends—and my work bestie—Heidi drew the second tag, making this an adventure we'd never forget.

From the moment we drove toward camp, we were surrounded by incredible axis deer. Seeing those beautiful spotted animals in their natural habitat was something I'll never forget.

Rodney, Dawn and Emily Perreira with Maui Hunting Safaris welcomed us like family. As first-time hunters in Hawaii, we had countless questions, and they took the time to teach us—not only about the hunt itself, but about the history of the land, the wildlife, and the generations of Hawaiians who have respected these mountains long before us. It reminded me that hunting is about being part of something much bigger than yourself.

On our first morning, we spotted a mature buck leaving a watering hole. I settled in, took the shot, and watched months of preparation, learning, and excitement come together in one unforgettable moment.

As I walked up to that buck, the excitement was quickly replaced with nothing but gratitude.

This wasn't just an animal. It was food that would nourish my family.

As a single mother to three boys, providing for my kids has taken on an even deeper meaning. Filling my freezer with healthy, sustainable meat wasn't just rewarding—it was empowering. It reminded me that there are many ways to provide for the people we love, and this was one I'll always be thankful for.

On our second day, while out scouting for another buck for Heidi, Rodney spotted a billy goat crossing the hillside. Rodney encouraged me to make a move, and once again I was fortunate enough to make a clean, ethical harvest.

The best part? That meat will be donated to local families on Maui. Rodney shared that many of the people who receive those donations pray for the hunters who provide them. Hearing that stopped me in my tracks. Knowing this experience could help feed not only my own family but someone else's made the hunt even more meaningful.

Six years ago, I saw hunting from the outside.

Today, I understand why people wake up long before sunrise, spend countless hours preparing, and willingly embrace the challenges that come with it.

It's not about trophies.

It's about gratitude.

It's about conservation.

It's about creating memories with incredible people.

It's about respecting the animals that make this lifestyle possible.

And it's about providing.

I'm incredibly thankful to Trevor and everyone at MTN OPS for creating opportunities like our employee hunt draw that allow people like me to experience the outdoors in such a meaningful way. I'm grateful to Rodney and Emily Perreira for sharing their knowledge and hospitality, to Heidi for being the best adventure partner I could have asked for, and to Jake for encouraging me every step of this journey.

Most of all, I'm grateful for the animals that provided for both my family and others in need.

Six years ago, I never imagined I'd call myself a hunter.

Now, I can't imagine not understanding what makes this lifestyle so special.