Last year, we shared how Waylon found joy fishing the ocean while battling a brain tumor. Now at 9 years old, Waylon’s journey continues to be full of challenges and courage. His tumor has returned, bringing new difficulties, yet he still practices football with his teammates each afternoon and faces life with determination well beyond his years.

This fall, Waylon lived out another dream, his very first elk hunt. On day three of the hunt, the moment finally came together. Outdoor Dreams founder Conlan McConnell called a bull from 450 yards into 300, and before Waylon could take the shot, another bull rushed in from over a quarter mile away. The two began sparring putting on quite the show, and when the fight broke apart, Waylon’s bull paused just long enough for him to steady himself and make a difficult walking shot at 300 yards. He dropped the elk in its tracks, a moment captured on video none of us will ever forget.

Waylon’s composure in that high-pressure moment was extraordinary. Calm, collected, and focused, he proved that all his dry-fire practice had paid off. But what came after the shot was just as unforgettable. Waylon lit up with joy, opening up in ways none of us had seen before. He proudly woke his friends to show off his bull, shared every detail with his barber while getting a haircut, and wore a smile that was absolutely contagious.

Waylon may be small for his age, but his heart and spirit are enormous. He is a good student, a committed teammate, and a young hunter who will never forget this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We also outfitted Waylon with some Kuiu hunting clothing that fit him perfectly, kept him warm, and made him the best-dressed kid at school.

We are deeply grateful to Jeff Kunkel for volunteering his time and support, and to Washington Fish & Wildlife, Scott Harris, and landowner Johnny Wildhaber for making this landowner damage permit possible. We are blessed to live in a state that goes out of its way to help kids like Waylon find success in the field.

Please join us in celebrating this remarkable young man. His courage, heart, and determination inspire us all. Every child like Waylon deserves an adventure they’ll never forget. Thank you for being part of this journey!

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How You Can Help? 

Outdoor Dreams is committed to providing more kids with life-changing outdoor adventures. Here’s how you can support us:

1. Donate: Every contribution helps us fund more hunts for deserving kids at outdoordreams.us/donate

2. Share: Help us grow our reach by sharing this post.

3. Follow: Stay updated by following Outdoor Dreams on Facebook & Instagram (@outdoordreams.us).

4. Nominate a Child: Know a child who could benefit from an outdoor adventure? Apply at outdoordreams.us.

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