Donnybrook, N.D. – On the very first day of North Dakota’s deer gun season, local youth Channing Klaven achieved a family milestone: he harvested his first buck while hunting with his grandfather, Mike Uran. The pair set out early Friday, trekking through brush near New Town in hopes of a successful outing.
Two seasons, one successful harvest
Last year marked Channing’s debut season, but the duo returned empty‑handed after a day of tracking and calling. Determined to improve their odds, they returned this year with renewed focus. Channing told us he was hoping for a “pretty good‑sized buck,” and while the animal in the photo may not have been the massive trophy he imagined, it was a solid, healthy buck that satisfied both hunter and family.
The harvest took place just outside Donnybrook on Friday, the opening day of the season that runs through Nov. 22. The moment was captured in a photograph that now serves as a proud reminder of the experience. “After two seasons of hunting with Grandpa, I can finally say I got my first buck and a fun picture to go with it,” Channing said, beaming with pride.
Family tradition and community spirit
Hunting in North Dakota is more than a sport; it is a generational tradition that reinforces family bonds and teaches respect for the land. For the Klaven family, the hunt was an opportunity to pass down skills, patience, and stewardship values. Grandfather Mike emphasized the importance of safety, ethical harvest, and gratitude for the wildlife that sustains the region’s outdoor heritage.
Local residents echoed the sentiment, congratulating the young hunter and acknowledging the broader community of first‑time deer harvesters this season. “It’s always special to see a new generation take up the tradition,” said a longtime Donnybrook hunter who preferred to remain unnamed. “These experiences shape character and keep our rural way of life thriving.”
Season outlook and safety reminder
With the season now underway, hunters across the state are encouraged to plan responsibly, adhere to safety protocols, and respect private property. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department continues to promote ethical hunting practices and offers resources for newcomers, including hunter education courses and mentorship programs.
For those who have not yet taken a shot, there is still time. The deer gun season will run until Nov. 22, giving ample opportunity for families and friends to share the outdoors, create lasting memories, and contribute to wildlife management efforts that benefit the entire state.
Congratulations again to Channing, his grandfather, and all first‑time hunters celebrating their achievements this season. May the rest of the deer gun season be safe, successful, and filled with the same sense of community that defines Donnybrook and the wider North Dakota hunting tradition.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
