2023 has been a big growth year at HHAUSA and we have been blessed to continue crossing paths with some amazing individuals. I met Rick Young at the Archery Trade Association Show in Indianapolis back in January and we instantly hit if off. We would see each other again a month later in Florida at what will now be the venue for our first ever, out of state, HHAUSA shoot in 2024. Travelling for Centershot Blue, an archery ministry that is introducing the sport in cities across the country through the world of law enforcement, Young and I became fast friends. We connected for a third time at our Vortex event in April and it's safe to say the Wisconsin native is officially part of the HHAUSA family.

Growing up in The Badger State, Rick picked up a love for the outdoors well before he could drive a car and loves spending time hunting and fishing with friends and family.  Firefighting and EMS work ran in his family and so it was a natural career path for Young when he finished school. One of those early jobs also required a law enforcement background and Rick soon found himself wearing all three of those hats and serving his community.

A near fatal accident where he was sideswiped in his squad by an 18-wheeler and a bout with cancer just months later would help to bring Rick out of a dark place and closer to his faith.

With a clean bill of health and new outlook on life, Young now wants to help others by sharing his story and love of the outdoors with the help of the Centershot Blue program.  We are excited to partner with them in 2024 and meet more folks like Rick who have overcome adversity thanks to a bow and arrow.

Stay tuned as well for an upcoming film early next year with Young, HHAUSA Podcast alumni Aaron Scheer and Chad Stillman and others as we chronicle their September 2023 Colorado elk hunt.

To learn more about Centershot Blue, visit their website at www.centershotblue.org

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com