2024 Wisconsin Mentor Of The Year
At Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors, we are proud to recognize those who go above and beyond to inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. This year, we honor Brett Dunham as our Wisconsin Mentor of the Year for his incredible dedication and enthusiasm.
A Natural Leader and Mentor
Year Started Mentoring: 2024
Events Mentored in 2024: 8
In his first year with Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors, Brett has already made a profound impact. He is known for his enthusiasm and willingness to step in whenever needed, ensuring no child misses out on the chance to experience the outdoors. Our Wisconsin Program Coordinator Quinn Erdmann said:
“Brett is the kind of mentor who is always looking to take more kids out. No matter how the hunt ends up, everyone tells me how much fun they had. He is the man I call when I need a mentor to fill in for any situation.”
About Brett Dunham
Hailing from Wisconsin, Brett’s love for the outdoors began early. He started fishing at the age of 5 and has been hooked ever since. At 16, he completed hunter safety and officially began his hunting journey, although his passion was sparked earlier, walking alongside his grandfather on hunts.
For Brett, mentorship runs in the family. His grandfather’s influence instilled a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors, which Brett now passes on to the youth he mentors.
Creating Unforgettable Memories
Brett cherishes many special moments in the outdoors, but his favorite memory with Outdoor Mentors was the first pheasant hunt at Cackle Creek. The event brought together kids, dog handlers, and a variety of hunting dogs, creating a unique and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Another cherished memory is a personal one: taking his father pheasant hunting. After decades away from hunting, Brett’s dad joined him to pursue pheasants, eventually shooting his first bird over Brett’s Chesapeake Bay Retriever. These moments of connection and tradition are what fuel Brett’s passion for mentoring.
A Well-Deserved Honor
Being named Wisconsin Mentor of the Year is a meaningful milestone for Brett:
“First off, it’s an honor, and I humbly accept the nomination. For me, this is just the beginning. I want to continue to grow and be involved with more youth’s early hunting lives to get them away from the tablets, TVs, and screens and into the outdoors.”
Looking Ahead
Brett is eager to continue expanding his efforts in mentoring and contributing to the mission of Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors. His dedication to helping youth discover the joys of hunting and conservation embodies the values of our program.
Join Us in Thanking Brett
We are incredibly grateful for Brett’s contributions in his first year with our program. His passion, humility, and enthusiasm have already made a lasting impact on the lives of the youth he mentors.
Congratulations, Brett! We look forward to seeing your continued success and leadership in the years to come.