September 2020

As a sixth-generation hunter, Triston Duke’s passion for hunting began at an early age. He started by tagging along with his father on hunts at the age of 3. At first, he would just sit in the tree stand, but, by the age of 7, he had killed his first deer.

“When I look back at when I was younger, I didn’t really understand what my dad and his family had gotten me into,” Triston said. “But it’s definitely one of my passions; it’s a way for me to be close with nature.”

Now at the age of 16, Triston has taken on a larger role in preparing the land for hunting season. “We start in July putting feed out to attract deer and during August into September, I disc out food plots,” Triston said. “After that we plant everything from clover to radishes along with wheat and other grasses. “

Triston added that all the products that are used have been purchased from their local Co-op store, including the feed, seed, salt blocks, minerals, tree stands and shooting houses. This is also where he purchases their hunting supplies. Triston’s local Coop sells guns, bows, game calls and game cameras.

Now that Triston has his driver’s license, he makes regular trips to the Co-op to buy the supplies he needs. He enjoys seeing the new bows that come in and talking to the employees. The Co-op is a full-service hunting supply store for him. “They have everything we need to have a successful year of hunting,” Triston said. “They also are very knowledgeable and helpful if you have any questions on their products.”

Triston has been going to the Co-op his whole life. One of his earliest memories is of a “Hunter’s Day” event where he met some of his hunting idols, Eddie Salter, Tommy Wilcox and Donnie McCaa.

“Since then my dad and I have been fortunate enough to have hunted with them and I’ve been able to learn and pick up little tricks to help with my deer hunting and turkey calling,” Triston said.

According to Triston’s father, Chris Duke, hunting together as father and son has been a great way to bring them closer together. “Though we are two different souls, there is so much commonality that is coming out, in many ways,” Chris said. “We both love seeing the sun rise and set, and the stillness of the morning right at the break of day before the world comes alive in the outdoors.”

Triston added that hunting has allowed him to build a bond with his dad that will last forever. “When we are hunting, we are kind of competing, but no matter who gets the kill, he is proud of me and I’m proud of him,” Triston said.

Chris began to instill the importance of gun safety in Triston from the very beginning. He taught him to respect the animals, the land and being selective when harvesting animals. Chris wanted Triston to understand that taking care of the land ensures the future of hunting for his generation and generations to come. “We also pray and give thanks after every harvest or hunt for the things provided in nature and the opportunity to share adventures together,” added Chris.

Triston expressed how much he loves any hunting, but his favorite animals to hunt are deer and turkey. “My biggest deer so far is an 11 point,” Triston added. “I have been fortunate enough to kill several Eastern turkeys and this year I got my first Osceola turkey.”

He has hope in the future that both he and his dad can complete the Grand Slam soon. “I would like to get my Grand Slam turkey hunting, which is the Eastern, Osceola, Miriam and Rio Grande turkeys,” Triston said.

Triston has always wanted to share his love of hunting with other young people in the hopes that they would learn to love the outdoors, too. “There are so many opportunities to see God’s creation and anything is possible when you’re in the woods.”