East Helena Students Wins Hunting Story Contest
Author: Office of the Governor, Helena, Montana
East Helena Students Wins Hunting Story Contest
Office of the Governor
Helena, Montana
Wyatt McKenzie of East Helena was announced as one of ten winning hunters in Governor Greg Gianforte’s 2025 Youth Hunting Story Contest late last week. McKenzie won with his story about his appreciation of private landowners and his chance to harvest an elk.
“Montana’s youth hunters are the future of our state’s proud hunting tradition,” said Gov. Gianforte. “We received nearly 150 stories from young hunters across Montana this year, each showing passion, skill, and respect for the outdoors. I look forward to welcoming the top ten winners to the State Capitol in the new year to celebrate their achievements and our hunting heritage.”
Governor Gianforte created the Youth Hunting Story contest in 2022 for Montana youth and apprentice hunters between the ages of 10 and 17. To enter the contest, resident hunters submitted a story of no more than 500 words and a photo from their hunt. Eligible entries included the harvest of any legal game, furbearer animals, or birds in Montana.
The governor will recognize the ten winning hunters in the State Capitol in the new year. Winning hunters will receive prizes from Stone Glacier, Vista Outdoor, Sitka, J2 Taxidermy, Kenetrek, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, Murdoch’s, and Zink’s Big Sky Archery Targets.
“Our partners have stepped up to provide incredible prizes that will support these young hunters for years to come,” the governor added. “I thank Stone Glacier, Vista Outdoor, Sitka, J2 Taxidermy, Kenetrek, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, Murdoch’s, and Zink’s Big Sky Archery Targets for their generosity and for helping us honor Montana’s next generation of hunters.”
