2025 Iowa Mentor of the Year: Colten Bishop
At Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, we believe in recognizing those who exemplify our mission of connecting youth to the great outdoors through dedicated mentorship. This year, we are thrilled to honor Colten Bishop as the 2025 Iowa Mentor of the Year — a passionate outdoorsman whose dedication, patience, and heart for service have opened doors for countless youth to experience hunting and fishing for the first time.
From the very beginning, Colten has approached mentorship with a simple but powerful belief — that every young person deserves the chance to experience the outdoors in a safe, encouraging environment. Whether teaching a first-time hunter about firearm safety or celebrating a youth’s first successful catch, Colten brings energy, kindness, and patience to every outing.
Over the past year, Colten has dedicated countless hours to volunteering with Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors. Through his efforts, he has helped introduce youth across Iowa to outdoor activities, ensuring that each one walks away with not just new skills but lasting memories. His commitment to showing up — no matter the weather, location, or challenge — has earned him deep respect from both the youth he mentors and the volunteers he works alongside.
Program Coordinator, Steph Lane said, “When we think of what makes a great mentor, we think of Colten. He goes above and beyond to make sure every child feels welcome, valued, and supported. Colten doesn’t just teach kids how to hunt or fish — he teaches them confidence, responsibility, and love for the outdoors.”
We asked Colten about what drives him to be a mentor to others:
“I just want to start off by saying how truly grateful I am to receive this award. My passion for the outdoors started when I was three years old, fishing with my Grandpa. We spent 14 summers fishing and camping a week at a time on the Mississippi River near Oakville, IA. I learned everything I know about fishing from him and it wasn’t always just fishing being taught while we were on the water I learned life skills that have shaped me into the man I am today. Fast forward to the age of 15 I had wanted to start hunting but my dad hadn’t been hunting since I was in diapers and didn’t want to get back into it. I started off by shed hunting, always trying to find a way to get to the public land a few miles away. Then one day I met Zack who mentored me from the first snow goose hunt to my first bow hunt where we doubled up on does in the same field not 60 yards from each other. That same season, we both shot bucks 3 days apart he showed me how to hunt everything you can in the lovely state of Iowa.” – Colten Bishop
You Can Make A Difference! Become a Mentor:
Inspired by Colten’s story? You can make the same impact. Join us in shaping the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists. Become a mentor today at https://outdoormentors.org/mentor