We are honored to share the story of 15-year-old Ryker Rush, a remarkable young man whose strength and determination shine as brightly as his passion for the outdoors.

In July 2021, Ryker underwent surgery at Seattle Children’s Hospital to remove a large cancerous brain tumor. After enduring chemotherapy and treatment, he is now in remission, though a shunt remains in his head, limiting his ability to play the contact sports he once loved—especially football.

Despite these challenges, Ryker remains incredibly active. He excels in school, earning B’s or better, and has participated in the Special Olympics as a unified player, an experience that meant a lot to him and his family, who are all dedicated volunteers for the organization. His love for hunting and fishing runs deep—so much so that he regularly takes the bus to his favorite fishing spot in Omak, WA, returning home after dark. Last October, he was able to harvest his first mule deer buck, an experience that fueled his passion for hunting even more.

When the opportunity for a bull elk hunt arose, Ryker jumped at the chance, making the trip on short notice. On day one of the hunt, conditions lined up perfectly—something that rarely happens. He and the team silently stalked into range, remaining undetected by the elk. As Ryker prepared to take a shot on a spike bull after glassing the herd for a few minutes, a larger branch bull emerged from the trees to spar with another. He kept his composure, took aim, and delivered a perfect 330-yard shot off the RRA Tripod. The bull was down within seconds, and the suppressed shot left the herd unsure of what had happened.

What followed was a moment of pure emotion and gratitude—hugs all around as Ryker processed the experience. Soon he paid his respects to the animal and learned how to break it down using the gutless method, ensuring the meat remained as clean as possible. This elk will feed Ryker’s family with the best organic meat for many months to come. 

Outdoor Dreams was proud to gift Ryker a Kuiu backpack, Kuiu hunting clothing, Outdoor Dreams swag, a knife, and game bags—essentials for future adventures.

Thank You to Our Supporters:

This hunt was made possible by the generosity of our incredible volunteers and supporters. Special thanks to Jeff Kunkel, Tino and Becky Villaluz, Conlan McConnell, and everyone who helps make dreams like Ryker’s a reality.

Every child like Ryker deserves an adventure they’ll never forget. Thank you for being part of this journey!