Gratitude in the Woods: How Hunting Connects Us to Family, Friends, and Nature
The 2025–26 Wisconsin bow deer season has officially kicked off, and for PATTRIE Productions co-founder Jared Petrie, this first sit is about more than just chasing whitetails. It’s about family, friendship, and a passion for the outdoors that has carried him through different seasons of life.
From the gear he trusts to the stories that brought him back into hunting, Jared’s journey is one many hunters can relate to.
A Hunting Journey with Two Chapters
Jared’s return to the woods isn’t just about the pursuit of deer. He openly reflects on the two distinct times in his life when hunting became a calling:
The Early Years – Like many, Jared’s love for hunting was influenced by family and friends who introduced him to hunting.
The Return – After time away, he found himself drawn back to the woods, once again supported and encouraged by loved ones who reignited his passion.
This gratitude is at the heart of his first sit for the 2025 bow season. Every climb into the stand is a reminder of the people who helped shape his path as a hunter.
The Early Years: A Grandfather’s Legacy
For Jared Petrie, hunting started early, under the guidance of his grandfather, Donny Nadler. Donny wasn’t just a teacher in the woods—he was a mentor who instilled patience, respect for the outdoors, and a deep appreciation for the hunt.
In 2025, Jared experienced one of the most meaningful moments of his hunting journey. After stepping away for years, he harvested his first deer since returning to the sport. The hunt took place in his childhood stand, on the same land where Donny had spent countless seasons. It was also the stand where his grandfather spent his final years hunting.
Donny passed away earlier this year, but not before sharing that incredible memory with his grandson. One generation passed the torch, and the next picked it up—keeping traditions and memories alive in the stand that now holds even greater significance.
The Return: Encouragement from Friends and Family
Jared’s return to hunting wasn’t something he did alone. It was fueled by an incredible circle of friends who encouraged him every step of the way. Matt Lindorfer, Martin Ringeisen, Matt Horness, and most recently, Pat Kalmerton, all played vital roles in helping Jared navigate his comeback.
From walking him through updated rules and techniques to sharing insights on gear and even offering access to land, these friends became more than hunting buddies—they became cheerleaders of his journey.
What made the return even more meaningful was the role of family. Jared’s uncle welcomed him back to hunt on the same land where his grandfather once taught him, granting him access again to that special childhood stand.
It was there, in the same tree stand where memories with Donny were made, that Jared took his most recent deer—connecting the past, present, and future in one unforgettable moment.
This return has sparked not only new memories but also new opportunities, including the growth of businesses and partnerships that tie back to his love for the outdoors.
Together, The Early Years and The Return tell the story of tradition, gratitude, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who champion your passions—whether they’re family guiding you in your first hunts or friends encouraging you to pick it up again years later.
The Gear Behind the Hunt
Like most seasoned hunters, Jared knows that quality gear makes a difference when it comes to safety, comfort, and effectiveness. This season, he’s relying on a solid lineup of trusted brands:
Rugged Outdoors e-bikes for access
BowTech Virtue Bow - For harvesting whitetail deer
RLVNT Sunglasses for clear optics
Latitude Profile Platform for mobility
CRUZR Saddle for comfort and concealment
Eberlestock packs for hauling essentials
DJI tech to capture the story from the field
Sitka for weather-ready clothing
ASIO for concealment
Hunting Beast knowledge and tactics
Tethrd One Sticks for efficient climbing
Vortex Binoculars for enhanced vision and scouting
Maven Range Finder for accuracy
Root River Archery for bow tuning and support
Gear’d Up North and AGLOW for local hunting community connections
By sharing the gear he trusts, Jared not only showcases his setup but also shines a light on the innovation and community behind today’s bowhunting culture.
More Than Just a Hunt
For Jared and the team at PATTRIE Productions, bow season is about more than filling tags. It’s about:
Honoring traditions and the people who came before us.
Passing down knowledge and encouragement to the next generation.
Building connections with brands and communities that support the hunting lifestyle.
This first sit of the season reflects all of that—gratitude, preparation, and a deep respect for the outdoors.
“Having a second chance at something I love means everything to me—especially being able to share it with the people I care about. Hunting is poetic; it takes life while celebrating and honoring it at the same time. It connects you to nature in a way that demands the highest respect. I know how quickly things can change, how moments can be taken away in an instant, so this opportunity to return is not lost on me. I’m grateful to my family and friends who have supported me and championed my journey back into the woods. Moving forward, I look forward to blending my technical skills with my passion for hunting as a way to give back—advocating for mentorship, community, and conservation so the tradition can continue for generations to come.”
Watch the Full Video
You can catch the full story and Jared’s first sit of the 2025–26 Wisconsin bow season on the PATTRIE Productions YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe for more hunts, gear breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes stories throughout the season.
