Tennessee — January 9–11, 2026 — The United Special Sportsman’s Alliance (USSA) successfully hosted a Tennessee youth deer hunt January 9 through January 11, 2026, providing young sportsmen with a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experience focused on conservation, mentorship, and safe hunting practices.
On January 9, 2026, five young sportsmen from Tennessee and Alabama arrived at HY-Lake Christian Camp, where they were welcomed by volunteers with the United Special Sportsman’s Alliance. Upon arrival, participants participated in a comprehensive safety orientation covering firearm safety, hunt protocols, and expectations for the weekend. The evening concluded with a dinner provided by United Special Sportsman’s Alliance, giving the youth and mentors an opportunity to get acquainted and prepare for the upcoming hunt.
After a short night of rest, the young hunters and their parents gathered early the following morning for a traditional Southern breakfast before departing for Buck Lake Outdoors. Upon arrival, the youth were warmly greeted by their volunteer guides, who reviewed the day’s hunt plan and safety expectations before escorting each participant to their designated hunting locations, setting the stage for an exciting and memorable day afield.
The first success of the hunt came during a rainy morning when Asher achieved a milestone moment with the assistance of his guide. Using an assisted firing device, Asher made an accurate and well-placed shot on a doe, fulfilling a dream he had long hoped to achieve. The moment marked not only a successful harvest but a powerful example of perseverance, adaptive opportunity, and the life-changing impact of youth outdoor experiences.
As the morning hunt gave way to midday, the hunters returned to camp, where they were treated to a prepared lunch provided by members of the United Special Sportsman’s Alliance and Buck Lake Outdoors. The break allowed the youth, parents, and guides time to warm up, share stories from the morning, and refuel before heading back to the woods to prepare for the afternoon sit.
The hunters returned to their blinds alongside their guides for the afternoon hunt, facing sporadic rain, gusting winds, and steadily falling temperatures. Despite the challenging conditions, determination paid off when Layne connected on his first-ever buck, an impressive eight-point, with a well-executed shot. The moment marked the fulfillment of a long-held dream and stood as another powerful reminder of the resilience and excitement these youth experienced throughout the weekend.
Upon returning to camp at Buck Lake Outdoors, Layne’s success was celebrated with high-fives and photos as hunters, parents, and guides gathered to share the moment. Everyone was then treated to a pulled pork and chicken dinner prepared by Buck Lake Outdoors. After a time of fellowship and conversation, the hunters and their parents returned to HY‑Lake Christian Camp, where a well-deserved night of rest soon followed in preparation for the next day’s activities.
After a quick breakfast, the hunters returned to Buck Lake Outdoors, where they were transported to their respective blinds for another day afield. The morning broke clear, crisp, and cold—ideal conditions for deer movement. On this day, Greyson joined the group at the request of Buck Lake Outdoors to assist with deer population management by harvesting does. Greyson quickly found success, harvesting a doe within just 10 minutes of settling into his blind. Within the following 10 minutes, he harvested a second doe and contacted Buck Lake Outdoors members for pickup. Bentley was the second hunter to strike that morning, successfully harvesting a mature doe at his location. Carson experienced several deer encounters but chose to pass, deciding to wait for what he considered his perfect deer. As the morning progressed, the hunters returned to camp to celebrate the successful harvests and enjoy lunch together. 
The afternoon hunt found Kratos as the sole hunter afield. This marked Kratos’ first-ever deer hunt—an experience he had long looked forward to but had never previously been able to participate in. He was accompanied by his guide and family friend, Shaun, along with his brother Bentley. As the evening progressed toward darkness, Kratos’ sharp eye spotted a bobcat crossing the food plot. With a well-placed shot, he successfully harvested the bobcat—an opportunity many hunters never experience in a lifetime. While celebrating that success, Kratos then observed an eight-point buck enter the food plot. 
For nearly 20 minutes, he watched patiently, waiting for the perfect opportunity. When the buck finally presented the right angle, Kratos made a well-executed shot, fulfilling a lifelong dream. After a short tracking job, he recovered his majestic buck, marking an unforgettable conclusion to an incredible afternoon.
The United Special Sportsman’s Alliance provides these life-changing outdoor experiences for young sportsmen and sportswomen, as well as veterans, through the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of supporters who believe in the mission. USSA extends a heartfelt thank you to HY-Lake Christian Camp for graciously allowing participants to stay on-site and for providing outstanding accommodations throughout the weekend. Sincere appreciation is also extended to Buck Lake Outdoors for hosting our hunters on their remarkably well-managed and thoughtfully prepared property. Finally, USSA thanks all who donated specifically to make this hunt possible. It is through their generous time, support, and contributions that these young hunters were able to fulfill dreams that will remain with them for a lifetime. Bill Cothron and Eddie Roberts