2025Vol42No3NBUJournal

NORTHERN NEVADA OUTFITTERS: A NON-PROFIT BRINGING HEALING THROUGH THE OUTDOORS

What started as a crazy idea between two friends has become a beacon of hope for many. In November of 2024 Kyle Thissell and I, Jayme Martinez, turned our shared passion for the outdoors into a mission to give back. Northern Nevada Outfitters, is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization dedicated to providing free guided hunting experiences to youth, United States Military veterans, and cancer survivors. What began as a simple idea to share the joy of the outdoors has grown into a transformative program that fosters healing, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories for those we believe need it most.

bed watching nature through binos out the window of the room where he would ultimately pass on. My passion for the outdoors and the unwavering belief that nature is medicine is what inspired me to combine my legal expertise with my desire to create positive change in the lives of others. After seeing how nature brought peace and healing to our own lives, Kyle and I wanted to share that with others who might not have the opportunity. Whether it’s a kid who’s never held a rifle, a veteran coping with the scars of service, or a cancer survivor looking for a moment of joy, we knew the outdoors could make a difference.

The Vision Behind Northern Nevada Outfitters

The Power of the Outdoors

Kyle Thissell, Co-Founder and Master Guide

The core of Northern Nevada Outfitter's mission is our belief that nature has a unique ability to heal. For youth, learning to hunt instills confidence, patience, and respect for nature. Kyle and I both have daughters; me three, him two. We have seen firsthand through raising our own kids how connecting with the outdoors teaches them valuable skills like patience, responsibility, and self reliance and gives them a sense of accomplishment in mastering challenges in nature. For veterans, the quiet of the wilderness can provide solace, a sense of belonging after service and a chance to process trauma alongside peers. For cancer survivors, the experience is a reminder of resilience and the beauty of life beyond illness. Partnering with Nevada Bighorns Unlimited has been a game-changer for us. The support we have received thus far has provided multiple opportunities for volunteerism, access to critical resources, donations for fundraising, and increased awareness for our organization, which has significantly expanded our reach. Additionally, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited's expertise in conservation advocacy and its broad network of volunteers have bolstered the visibility and credibility of Northern Nevada Outfitters, attracting more interest from our own donors, volunteers and participants. This collaboration has enabled us to focus on and expand our core mission. The Invaluable Support of Nevada Bighorns Unlimited

Growing up in Oregon, Kyle developed a passion for the outdoors at an early age, spending countless hours exploring the wilderness and honing his skills. His love for nature led him to pursue a career as a guide, where he could share his expertise with others while promoting responsible outdoor practices. After surviving his own harrowing battle with cancer, Kyle felt a profound calling to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar struggles. His journey was marked by the isolation, financial strain, and emotional upheaval that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Driven by his firsthand understanding of the recovery journey, and his reliance on the outdoors to get him through some of his toughest times, Kyle is determined to turn his experience into a source of hope for others. I have never hunted a day in my life. I developed my profound love for nature growing up and exploring in the Sierra Nevada mountains as a kid. Although never having battled cancer myself, I overcame my own critical illness relying on the outdoors to uplift my spirits during the most difficult times. I lost my dad to cancer after a very long and painful battle. In his last months, the thing that brought him the most joy was laying in his hospital Jayme Martinez, Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer

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