DSC Great Lakes Regional Chapter
MIKE HAMMETT
MEMORIAL WISH HUNT
One of the major initiatives of the DSC Great Lakes Regional Chapter is the Mike Hammett Memorial Wish Hunt program. This program is designed to provide initial hunting opportunities to individuals (primarily youth) who, because of significant health issues, physical disabilities, or other limitations, would not otherwise be able to hunt. The predecessor organization to the DSC Great Lakes Chapter provided Wish Hunt opportunities for such thirty-seven young people. The DSC Chapter is committed to providing Mike Hammett Memorial Wish Hunt opportunities into the future with the support of the Chapter’s Bridge Builders (see the Bridge Builders page).
Each Mike Hammett Memorial Wish Hunt participant is accompanied by at least one parent and a member of the Chapter’s Board of Directors. Over-night accommodations and meals are provided during each hunt experience. It is expected that every Wish Hunter/fisherman will successfully harvest a trophy quality game animal. Wish Hunters receive a variety of hunting clothing and hunting equipment donated by many generous Chapter supporters. Trophies taken by each participant are processed by the Chapter and mounted by local taxidermists. Participants are also accompanied by a professional photographer and videographer. A television quality video is produced of each hunt experience.
The Mike Hammett Memorial Wish Hunt program has received considerable recognition. The reality is that this program would not exist were it not for the commitment and support provided by several individuals, businesses, and the Chapter’s Bridge Builders. The Chapter would like to publicly acknowledge the numerous contributions made in support of this program and express our deep thanks and appreciation for the commitment to the program.
MIKE HAMMETT MEMORIAL WISH HUNT.
2020 MIKE HAMMETT MEMORIAL WISH HUNT.
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Josh Baumgart was the DSC- Great Lakes Regional Chapter, 2020 Mike Hammett Memorial Wish Hunter. Josh was nominated for the Wish Hunt opportunity by his good friend and prior Wish Hunter, Nick Stephan. As many things in 2020 have been, the 2020 Wish Hunt was a challenge.
Failing to get a shot opportunity during the first scheduled hunt dates in October, Josh returned to Jack Pine for a second hunt to harvest a Whitetail in early November. The second time around proved to be just what was needed. Josh harvested the great buck pictured below during the first morning hunt. The buck dropped with a single shot!
The 2020 Wish Hunt was hosted by Jack Pine Safari in Lewiston, Michigan. Dixie Hammett, the wife of the Mike Hammett Memorial Wish Hunt’s namesake, honored the Chapter with her attendance during this hunt. She flew to Michigan twice to be present for this hunt. Dixie was an active participant in every aspect of the hunt. Josh was accompanied on his successful hunt by his mother and father along with his good buddy, Nick Stephan.
Floyd Moore and Ryan Biland provided guide services during Josh’s hunts. Photographer services during the two hunts were provided by Thane Whitscell and Kris Blankenship. Videographers for the two hunts were Tim Gauthier and Ron Wilmot. Diane Moore, Kris Blankenship, and Sue Wilmot provided culinary support during both hunts. Connie’s Café in Ossineke, Michigan provided food for both hunts.
2019 MIKE HAMMETT MEMORIAL WISH HUNT.
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Emma McKenny of Decker, Michigan hunted Whitetail Deer at Jack Pine Safari in Lewiston, Michigan as the Chapter’s Mike Hammett Memorial Wish Hunter in 2019. The hunt for Emma was provided in part by Jack Pine Safaris and the Chapter. The services of photographer, Thane Whitscell, and videographer, Tim Gauthier, were fully donated as were guide services provided by Floyd Moore. Culinary services were provided by Diane Moore, Kris Blankenship, and Sue Wilmot. Food for this hunt was provided by Connie’s Café in Ossineke. Deepwoods Taxidermy in Spruce provided the full shoulder mount of Emma’s Whitetail buck.
Emma was a serious hunter and a pleasure to be with. She was accompanied on this hunt by her father, Steve and her mother, Michelle. Emma proved herself to be a patient and serious huntress! She was an excellent shot both on the range and in the field. Emma took the fine buck pictured below with a single shot. She did not hesitate to jump right in with the processing of her animal. Like many of the previous Wish Hunters, Emma was open to having her face painted after the kill.
Emma was also joined by Jay and Kae Hartford who purchased the opportunity to attend the hunt at the 2019 auction and their guests Gordie and Chris Behn. The entourage was also joined by Ryan Biland of Biland Outdoors.
As always, the Chapter expresses its deep thanks and appreciation to Jack Pine Safari and the Vollmar Family for making this hunt possible!
2018 MIKE HAMMETT MEMORIAL WISH HUNT.
Paige Janek of Kalkaska, Michigan was the Chapter’s Mike Hammett Memorial Wish Hunter of 2018. A first-time huntress, Paige learned to shoot on the range at Jack Pine Safaris and made an excellent shot on a great Whitetail buck in the field. She was patient and committed to harvesting a great animal. Paige was accompanied on the hunt at Jack Pine Safaris by her mother and stepdad. She was nominated for this hunt by her boyfriend Douglas Lundstrom. Douglas presented Paige’s mounted animal to her during the March 2019 auction/banquet.
The Chapter’s 2017 Safari Wish Hunter was Jack Dewitt of Howell, Michigan. Jack was accompanied on the hunt by his parents and his brother Collin. The 2017 Wish Hunt was a challenge, compounded by the fact that Jack was confined to a wheelchair. Jack was a committed hunter and was willing to try many different approaches to harvest an Elk. Ultimately, Jack made a great shot on a beautiful 6x6 bull Elk.
2017 MIKE HAMMETT MEMORIAL WISH HUNT.
To be considered for this program, a young person must be challenged physically or mentally but be capable of participating in a sheltered hunting experience. Prior hunting experience is not required! The Chapter will provide the use of hunting equipment and any necessary instruction. Interested parties should complete the form below.
For more information about the Wish Hunts, to nominate a future Wish Hunter or to offer a special hunting opportunity for a future Wish Hunter contact us below: