My name is Justin Seguin, I am a retired CW3 from the United States Army, currently residing in Savannah, GA. I was extremely fortunate to complete 20
years of active service in the United States Army. During which time, I spent over 60 months in combat as a Sniper with the 10th Mountain Division and later as an AH-64D/E Apache Pilot, with the 1st Armored Division and 3rd Infantry Division. Additionally, I had the honor of instructing at the United States Army Ranger School. Awards include the Bronze Star with “Valor” device, Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medals, Air Medal with “Combat” device and Army Achievement Medals.
In September of 2024, Giving Back Outdoors provided me with a once in my lifetime opportunity to hunt a Mule Deer Buck, in the Kaibab National Forest of Arizona. As an east coast hunter, the idea of executing such an amazing hunt was just a dream. A dream that would certainly never come true without Giving Back Outdoors. This past September, I found myself with an old Army battle buddy hunting those gorgeous Arizona mountains, with the Grand Canyon as the backdrop.
Hunting is my medicine. When I arrived in those mountains and the cell service dried up, all the noise in my head disappeared. There is absolutely nothing wrong in the world, up in those mountains. Top it off with an old Army brother, who drove down with the camping gear from Utah, just to accompany me on this journey and teach me this new style of hunting. When the hunt starts, things seem simple and the objective is clear. Very much like a military operation, you make a tentative plan, do reconnaissance, adjust your plan and establish contingencies, then execute. We covered miles of the Arizona terrain, dripping sweat and occasionally some blood, just to fail day after day. Every day the mountain demands your best, and even though you give your all, you know success is highly unlikely. That is why I love it. This activity engages the mind, body, and soul. The connection to the land becomes immense. The brotherhood that grows when you share all the successes and failures with your hunting buddy, nearly matches the emotions of combat. Extreme highs and extreme lows.
On the second to last day of my hunt, I was extremely blessed to harvest the buck of a lifetime. Overcome with emotion I stood over the carcass quietly reflecting on all the blood, sweat and tears that had been shed over the past couple days. A moment I got to share with my best friend and old battle buddy.
I would like to send my sincerest thanks to Giving Back Outdoors, Roundy Taxidermy and my brother Ron Warren for the hunt of a lifetime. Without each of y’all this would not have been possible.