These are questions we all ask ourselves at some point. The journey to understand our purpose in life is a never-ending quest that binds us all together.
This is Ivy O’Guinn’s quest — her hunt for purpose.
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A native Alaskan, Ivy grew up living an outdoor oriented life. Fishing was her family’s business and quickly became one of her fiercest passions. It taught her the value of self-reliance, living off the land and nourishing her body with clean, fresh, ethically sourced meat.
In high school, Ivy’s natural athleticism shined as her speed and endurance on the track propelled her ahead of the competition. Her achievements earned her a college scholarship, which enabled her to compete around the country.
Despite Ivy’s success, though, something was missing.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do. I didn’t really know who I was. I was kind of lost,” Ivy recalled of that period in her life.
After college, Ivy’s friends took her to a fly-fishing shop, which reignited her passion for fishing — outside the commercial space. In Alaska’s pristine rivers and lakes, she found a community of friends who became like family. She also found a refreshed sense of identity.
Though she had been exposed to hunting throughout her childhood, Ivy never had the opportunity to go on a hunt with her family. Her athletic pursuits took priority.
That all changed when she went on her first hunt in Kodiak, Alaska, at the age of 22. After successfully harvesting her first big game animal, a black-tailed deer, her eyes were opened to the world of hunting, and her purpose in life was cemented.
Even better, Ivy’s hunting pursuits drew her dad back into the sport, providing opportunity for the duo to embark on epic hunting adventures together.
In short, hunting helped Ivy O’Guinn discover who she is and her life’s purpose.
Hunting is a widely misunderstood pastime. It’s frequently vilified by individuals who have never done it, nor taken the time to try and understand it.
Hunting is not about killing.
It’s about connection — with oneself, others, and nature — self-reliance, spirituality, perseverance, knowing where your food comes from, and so much more.
It’s not a sport, it’s a way of life.
Ivy’s story embodies the spirit of hunting. We hope it inspires you as much as it does us.
Searching for the perfect holiday gift? Our team compiled a list of the best rifles, components, accessories, and premium apparel that are sure to delight this holiday season.
GIFT IDEAS FOR HUNTERS & SHOOTERS
If you’re on a quest to find the best holiday present for a hunter or shooting enthusiast, or you simply want to reward yourself, we’ve got some incredible options for you to choose from. Below are four of our most popular rifles, but you can also browse our entire line of Bolt-Action Rifles and Modern Sporting Rifles.
RIDGELINE FFT
Ridgeline FFT is the quintessential hunting rifle. It’s a true work of art. And its good looks are accentuated by some of the most advanced carbon fiber technology in the world.
The Ridgeline FFT is up to a full pound lighter than the Ridgeline, thanks to a revolutionary new carbon fiber manufacturing process that Christensen Arms pioneered: Flash Forged Technology (FFT). The Ridgeline FFT features this cutting-edge technology in its stock, floor plate, and bolt knob. The new stainless steel side-baffle muzzle brake and stylish paint scheme distinguish this new model even further, all while retaining the Christensen Arms Sub-MOA Guarantee and Limited Lifetime Warranty.
The Modern Precision Rifle is an ultra-lightweight chassis rifle designed to break with tradition.
Beyond the folding stock the complete package is well equipped with a target contour Christensen Arms carbon fiber barrel, carbon fiber comb, free-floating carbon fiber handguard, and 20 MOA rail. The action and stainless steel side-baffle muzzle brake are finished in Black Nitride for a sleek look. The Modern Precision Rifle weighs in starting at 6.9 pounds and is backed by the Christensen Arms Sub-MOA Guarantee and Limited Lifetime Warranty.
When you’re packing a rifle up rocky backcountry hills, miles away from your truck, you’ll be glad for a gun that’s as light as your hunting boots. Starting at 5.5 pounds, the Mesa FFT combines a Flash Forged Technology stock, an ultralight contour stainless steel barrel with a Cerakote® finish and “seamless” removable radial muzzle brake, and it’s backed by the Christensen Arms Sub-MOA Guarantee and Limited Lifetime Warranty.
The Ranger rifle brings a rimfire rifle back to the Christensen Arms lineup.
Built for precision—the bolt-action platform features an aluminum receiver with a steel recoil lug insert, Christensen Arms carbon fiber tension barrel, and a carbon fiber composite rimfire stock. The rifle is also well equipped with standard sling studs, a 0-MOA picatinny rail, and a match grade Rem 700 style trigger. The Ranger weighs in starting at 5.1 pounds and is backed by a Christensen Arms Sub-MOA at 50 Yards Guarantee.
In addition to the components and accessories detailed above, we have many other great options that are sure to delight both hunters and shooting enthusiasts alike.
FIX IT STICKS LONG-RANGE TOOLKIT
The ultimate toolkit, packed with the essentials long-range precision shooters and hunters need to mount optics and make adjustments in the field.
Every optic needs to be protected from the elements. Our Timber Camo Scope Slicker provides protection in a beautiful package that shows off the owner’s Christensen Arms pride.
Whether you know someone who’s looking to upgrade the carbon composite stock on their Mesa or Ridgeline, or a rifle lover who’s looking for a world-class stock to add to their build, we have options.
For the most dedicated rifle enthusiasts, our signature carbon fiber barrels are second to none. We offer a range of options, including gunsmith blanks, Remington 700 barrels, and AR barrels.
Omar enrolled in the U.S. Army in 2004. In 2007, he was deployed to Iraq. On May 24, 2007, the vehicle Omar was riding in struck a 200-pound Improvised Explosive Device, or IED. The blast left burns on 75% of his body and resulted in the amputation of his right leg below the knee.
His strength and spirit, however, were unphased.
A Quest for Healing
After retiring from the U.S. Army in 2010, Omar vowed to never let his injuries control his life. Since then, he’s been on a quest for recovery, physical therapy, and spiritual healing−free from dependence on medication to combat the intense emotions tied to his experiences in combat. He wanted his peace to come from the natural world, not a pill.
One day, Omar’s phone rang. When he answered, his friend asked, “Hey, what are you doing this weekend?” Omar didn’t have any plans, so his friend asked him to go hunting.
He agreed.
The night before the hunt, after packing his gear, Omar laid in bed and questioned his decision. He’d made great progress since retiring from the U.S. Army, but he wasn’t comfortable with his injuries.
“I kinda feel like an outcast… I’m not gonna be accepted,” he thought. “I’m not gonna go.”
The next morning, the alarm clock Omar forgot to turn off woke him up bright and early. He thought to himself, “Well, my truck’s packed, everything’s in there… just go. What’s the worst that can happen?”
Within a few minutes, Omar was on the road.
A Shift in Perspective
As his drive transitioned from loud, crowded city streets to the vast, sprawling countryside, Omar felt an inner peace wash over him. To his surprise, he felt comfortable.
“Wow, what’s going on?” he thought.
When he arrived at the lodge, Omar walked up and rang the doorbell. He was greeted with excitement by a man in a wheelchair with no legs. “What’s up, brother?!” the man exclaimed with a huge smile on his face. In an instant, Omar’s perspective changed. He felt a sense of acceptance, belonging.
Campfire Conversation
That night, as was common at this point in his life, Omar couldn’t sleep. He made his way out to the fire pit where he was joined by another guest of the lodge for a drink and conversation.
The man was a retired U.S. Navy SEAL. The conversation flowed as Omar and the man shared intimate details about their combat experiences and life after the military.
At a point in the conversation, the man asked Omar, “How are you doing?”
“I’m doing great,” Omar replied.
Unsatisfied with that answer, the man restated the question, “No, how are you doing?”—this time, gesturing to clarify that he was asking about Omar’s mental health.
That was one of the first times Omar really opened up and shared his true feelings with another person. It was a huge step forward in his healing process.
Omar and his newfound friend continued to talk for hours. Before they knew it, their fellow hunters were coming out of the lodge to get ready to head out into the field.
Omar’s friend approached him and asked him with surprise, “Dude, you been awake the whole night?! What have you been doing?”
“I’ve been with that dude,” Omar replied, pointing to the man he’d talked to all night.
“You mean Chris?” his friend continued.
“Yeah, Chris,” Omar confirmed.
“You know who that is?” his friend questioned intently. “That’s Chris Kyle.”
Up to that point, Omar was completely unaware that he’d had been up all night having an intimate conversation with the legendary American Sniper.
The Experience That Changed Everything
After Omar got ready and walked back outside, Chris informed him, “You’re hunting with me.”
With that, the pair headed to their blind.
Omar and Chris sat, scanned, and talked quietly. Before long, a whitetail buck appeared within range.
“Alright, that’s the one we’re gonna shoot,” Chris whispered to Omar.
Immediately, Omar began shaking. He’d never shot a buck before. In fact, he’d never shot a deer.
“Control your breathing. Get him in your crosshairs,” Omar thought to himself to calm his nerves.
As Omar squeezed the trigger, the shot rang out. He watched in awe as the deer dropped. He’d just harvested his first deer—with Chris Kyle. Excitement overtook the two friends as they high-fived and celebrated Omar’s milestone.
In that moment, something clicked for Omar. It was as if something he hadn’t felt in a long time had suddenly returned.
This was more than hunting. It was healing.
From Passion to Peace
After that unforgettable experience, Omar was hooked. His appetite for learning was insatiable. While his friends went out to shoot pool, he sat at his computer researching his new obsession.
Hunting was no longer a hobby—it was a lifestyle.
In the time that has passed since Omar’s epic hunting experience with Chris Kyle, his passion for hunting and the outdoors has grown. Not only does he hunt personally, he jumps at the opportunity to bring others into the field to experience the healing power of the outdoors the same way he has. To date, he’s hunted with friends, disabled veterans, and Gold Star Families—family members of service members who tragically lost their lives.
Christensen Arms was honored to partner with Omar on the Hunt to Heal documentary. We have a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by members of the US Armed Forces and their family members, as well as the healing power of the Great Outdoors.
On the surface, the thought of heading into the woods to shoot a turkey seems simple. Listen for a gobble, move in its direction, make a few imitation calls, and take your shot. After all, they have brains the size of a peanut and lack a strong sense of smell.
Should be easy, right? Wrong!
You’ll quickly realize chasing turkeys requires a distinct skill set. This article is going to provide the knowledge you need to develop these skills and harvest your first bird or more turkeys in general.
Image Credit: Hazy Mountain Media
Part 1 – The Best Time to Turkey Hunt
SPRING —the time we get to leave the house and enjoy the sunshine.
It’s also the best time to turkey hunt.
Spring is when male turkey, or toms, are more active and vocal, strutting around and showing off for the hens. This season falls from late March through late May, depending on the location and climate. Be sure to check your local regulations for season information.
Another time of the year when turkey hunting is open is the fall when most folks are out deer and elk hunting. During this timeframe, it’s a good idea to keep a turkey tag in your pocket just in case. During fall season, keep in mind that birds often travel in flocks and can be a little trickier to hunt, as they won’t be in peak breeding season or roaming around alone. They tend to be smarter in flocks.
The Best Time of the Day to Hunt Turkeys
The early worm gets the bird!
If you’re not a morning person, now is the time to become one. Why? Because the best time to hunt turkeys is typically shortly after first light. Get out to your blind early and listen for the yelps, cackles, and gobbles of turkeys as they start their search for breakfast. You might even get lucky and catch one flying off the roost.
Turkeys are most active in mild weather. As a general rule of thumb, turkeys are most active during calm, clear days in the morning and early afternoon hours. Studies show that they are the most vocal when the temperature is between 60 – 69° Fahrenheit. Much like humans, if it’s too hot or too cold their activity slows down.
You might think that rainfall puts a damper on turkey hunting, but you’d be wrong. Rainfall is great for turkey hunting, contrary to popular belief.
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