Heartland DSC President Corey Goss accompanied our 2024 Dream Hunt recipient on a mule deer hunt in New Mexico. Here he tells us the story….

On November 14th, Heartland DSC left for Raton, New Mexico to fulfill the dream of a great young man—to get his very first deer. Partnering with the NRA Whittington Center and Gunwerks Rifle Company, Heartland DSC was able to take Jonathan and his father, Tom, on a rifle mule deer hunt. The journey started with a 12-hour drive leading us into beautiful snow-capped mountains. The weather was perfect, and memories of a lifetime were made.

Soon after arriving, we went to the gun range where Jonathan could shoot a beautiful Gunwerks rifle. He was hitting targets out to 500 yards. We met Adrian from the Whittington Center, who would be Jonathan’s guide. The two hit it off right away. A bond was formed, and the goal was set to get Jonathan an exceptional mule deer.

Mid-morning on Saturday the 16th, the mule deer that Jonathan would eventually take was spotted after a 300-yard stalk in his action track mobility chair. Closing the distance to within 140 yards and setting up for the shot, Jonathon realized his long-time dream with his Dad by his side. We could all feel that special feeling in the air as we watched Jonathan place a perfect shot on what would be a deer aged at 8 1/2 years old. The mule deer is a 3 x 4 with both eye guards. The emotions were high, and a memory was made.

Thanks again to the NRA Whittington Center, Neal Emery and Garrett of Gunwerks, and Leupold for providing a scope for the rifle. And of course, thanks to all of you who support Heartland DSC so we can make these hunts and chairs possible.

Congratulations, Jonathan! We all hope you have many more bucks and hunts in your future.