Many of you will remember Wesley from his first hunt with us back in November, when he took his very first deer. At the time, that hunt represented something far bigger than filling a tag. Wesley lives with a complex medical history that has shaped nearly every part of his life, including reduced vision and adrenal insufficiency that directly affects his energy levels, stamina, and ability to manage stress. Simply being able to spend a full day in the field, focused and engaged, was a major win.

That first hunt showed us a lot about who Wesley is. His patience. His grit. His desire to learn. It also showed how powerful time outdoors can be for him, especially when every ounce of energy matters.

Yesterday, Wesley returned to the field for another chapter, this time for a cow elk hunt at the legendary N Bar Ranch alongside his mom and guides Josh Sanofsky, Ted Allison and Russ Smith.

From the moment they left that morning, Wesley’s nerves were giving him fits. His excitement was off the charts, but so was the physical and mental toll that comes with managing adrenaline when your body doesn’t regulate it normally. Big moments require careful pacing for Wesley, and this one was no different.

The conditions made sure nothing would come easy. Winds were blowing 40+ mph with gusts well above that, making it a challenging day to be in the elements and even harder to feel settled behind the rifle. The wind also had the elk moving differently than normal, keeping them elusive and forcing everyone to slow down and be patient.

When they finally spotted elk a long way off, Wesley couldn’t tell how many were actually there. With his reduced vision, all he could see was movement. It wasn’t until they began setting up for a shot that the full picture came into focus. This was the most elk Wesley had ever seen in his life, and it ratcheted his excitement up another notch.

Despite using a rifle capable of much longer shots, Wesley wanted to put a careful stalk on the elk and get closer. With the wind ripping the way it was, getting inside 300 yards helped him feel calm and confident. It was a patient, thoughtful decision and one that showed real growth since his November deer hunt.

When it came time to shoot, Josh took a few moments to help Wesley slow his breathing and settle his nerves. After pausing, resetting, and making sure his body was ready, Wesley made his shot.

Not long after, Wesley was right there beside the guides, helping break down the elk and learning skills that go far beyond hunting. After the adrenaline faded, watching him stay engaged and involved was just as meaningful as the shot itself.

We’re incredibly grateful to the owners of the N Bar Ranch for continuing to open their property to Outdoor Dreams kids. Their generosity and trust make experiences like this possible, and the relationship we’ve built with them means more to us than we can put into words.

These hunts aren’t just about deer or elk. They’re about giving kids like Wesley the chance to push their limits safely, build confidence, and experience moments that remind them of what they are capable of. We’re incredibly proud of Wesley and thankful to everyone who helped make this hunt at the N Bar Ranch possible.