For the deer hunter, there is no time more alive in the woods than during the white-tailed deer rut. This timeless, powerful ritual fills the forest with the sounds and signs of the chase, offering a unique chance to witness deer during their breeding season when they are much more active and visible. This event is an invitation to experience that magic—a real-world hunt in a supportive environment, guided by experienced mentors from the Kinfolk community.
We invite ten mentee-and-mentor pairs to join us for an unforgettable hunting experience on the historic and beautiful Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island. We will gather at the Mashomack Manor House during the peak of the white-tailed deer rut, a truly magical time to be in the woods.
This immersive weekend is about more than just the hunt; it’s about deepening your connection to the land and your community. Together, we will:
Read the Land: Learn to identify and interpret deer sign, understanding the stories the forest tells.
Master the Skills: Gain hands-on experience with tree stand safety and setup, ethical hunting practices, and shot placement.
Honor the Harvest: Participate in the entire field-to-table process, from respectfully processing and butchering your harvest to preparing a shared wild game meal.
Build Community: Share stories and knowledge around the fire with fellow hunters who are passionate about conservation and stewardship.
This year, we are proud to embrace a regulation change that our community helped champion by making this a mentored crossbow hunt. Crossbows are an effective and accessible tool, and we are thrilled to be able to use them for this hunt. For mentees who already own a compound bow and are proficient in its use, you are welcome to bring and hunt with your own gear.
Who is this for?
This event welcomes hunters of all skill levels who share our values of community and conservation.
Our mission is to grow a more inclusive and equitable hunting community. To honor this commitment, preference will be given to applicants from communities historically underrepresented in hunting, especially BIPOC, Queer folks, and Women.
Room and board will be provided at no cost to all participants.
Applications are due by the end of the day on October 10th, 2025.
We will let you know if you have been selected or not by end of day Oct 15.