09/07/2026
Looooong hunting post!
We arrived at Legends Ranch last Monday. We were warmly welcomed, by the guides, and the owner. The whole week was a complete dream come true for us, and 5 other kids and their families. We met some sponsors, made some friends, and created memories that will last a lifetime. We were spoiled brats for 5 days, and I know i soaked alllllll of that in! The first hunting day (Wednesday), two of the boys got some beautiful bucks on the first morning hunt. It was SO exciting! Then we went out at night and the next morning, nothing. Then on Thursday evening, the last 4 of the kids (including Kolten Hudson) got some amazing bucks! The smiles on the kids faces was nothing short of priceless.
This past week, I watched my son turn into a man. When he first was at the shooting range, his entire body was trembling and he seemed scared. When he pulled the trigger in the blind, he was a confident young man. He turned around and I haven't seen a smile on my boy like that, in years. Definitely NOT during his battle with AML. We were so grateful to watch these kids blossom throughout the week. They went kayaking, fishing, hiking, and did nothing but what their little hearts desired. It was truly the most humbling and heartfelt experience I have ever been a part of. Kolten had the most amazing week, and came back a whole new person.
Our guide, Greg Lokers, was absolutely amazing. He was so patient with Kolten and the two of them formed a bond like no other. He was gentile, kind, and one of the most incredible men we have ever gotten to know. I hope we keep a lifelong relationship! He was SO proud of Kolten, probably as much as I was. We all were shaking when he got him, but i felt the excitement from Greg as well, and it really warmed my heart.
Our personal sponsors were Kent Woods, his non profit is J&K Youth Outdoor Adventures . He is the one who chose us to go on this hunt. Sponsored by the Lubbock Chapter of Safari Club International . Multiple people when didn't meet, and some we were lucky enough to shake hands with.
If you chose to sponsor anything ever, try one of those places or Legends Ranch. The change i watched in all these kids was so rewarding. I cannot even describe the peace it brought me. I needed this just as much as Kolt, and we truly cannot thank any of them enough. From the depths of our hearts, THANK YOU. We got back about 1am on Saturday (long flight delays), and Kolten and i prepared a FEAST of his freshly cut backstrap. It was an incredible thing to do together, and he nailed it!
Thank you to Legends Ranch, ALL of their staff, Kent and Joey with J&K Youth Outdoor Adventures, Greg, all the families and kids who were there with us, all the sponsors, and the Lubbock Chapter of SCI. Grateful is so much of an understatement.
