2025 Oklahoma Mentor of the Year: Jared Fox
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 Jared Fox as the 2025 Oklahoma 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.
Jared’s journey with Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors began with a simple desire: to share his love of the outdoors with the next generation. Since joining the program, he has mentored numerous youth across Oklahoma, helping them build confidence, learn valuable skills, and develop a deep respect for conservation. His approach is rooted in patience and purpose — ensuring each child feels supported and empowered throughout their outdoor experiences.
Over the past year, Jared has gone above and beyond to make outdoor adventures accessible. From organizing hunts to volunteering his weekends for fishing trips, his enthusiasm and consistency have made a lasting impression. His impact isn’t measured just in the number of outings he’s led, but in the relationships he’s built and the values he’s passed on. Each youth who spends time with Jared walks away not only with new skills but with a stronger sense of belonging in the outdoor community.
Regional Program Manager, Bobby Cole shared, “Jared embodies everything we hope to see in a mentor. He’s patient, reliable, and truly committed to making sure every youth feels valued and included. His willingness to give his time and energy has created incredible opportunities for Oklahoma’s young people to connect with nature and themselves.”
We asked Jared to reflect on his favorite mentoring story:
“One trip I’ll never forget was a bitter-cold coyote hunt early in my mentoring days. I can’t remember the kid’s name, but I remember the day like it was yesterday. We met at a gas station, grabbed breakfast, talked through the plan, and headed out into perfect coyote weather—cold, calm, and clear.
We barely stepped out of the truck when a coyote exploded out of some hay bales and stopped at 100 yards. The kid missed, but a second one popped out at 70 yards and he dropped it clean. His first coyote—thirty seconds into the hunt. I was high-fiving him, talking him up, thinking we were about to have one of those once-in-a-lifetime days.
Then we hunted for five hours and didn’t see a single coyote.
At our last spot, two came charging in to 50 yards and he missed both. A third showed up on the field edge, but it caught our movement and slipped out. The walk back to the truck was dead quiet. All I could think to say was, ‘That’s how she goes sometimes,’ and we both laughed.
What stuck with me, though, was his attitude. He was thrilled with the one he got, had been texting his buddies all day, and never complained once about the cold or the slow stretches. We ended the day joking about the four that got away.
It reminded me that even when a hunt goes from hero to zero, what matters most is how you handle it.” – Jared Fox
Stories like Jared’s remind us why mentorship matters. His dedication reflects the very core of our mission — to pass on outdoor traditions through meaningful connections and lifelong experiences.
You Can Make A Difference! Become a Mentor:
Inspired by Jared’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