Primal Heart Experience
The early morning hunt is an experience like no other. Walking quietly into the woods under the moon and stars, your footsteps softened by the forest floor, you find your position in the dark, more than an hour before daybreak. The crisp air fills your lungs as you sit in stillness, the silence providing an opportunity to quiet your mind—often for the first time in a long while—and connect with our Father in prayer. In the distance, the faint hoot of an owl breaks the silence, a reminder that the world is still alive in the night.
As the first light begins to touch the horizon, the woods slowly awaken. Shapes that were hidden in shadow come into view, and the soft chirping of birds grows into a lively chorus. Squirrels dart up and down trees, scattering leaves as the forest hums with activity. Your senses are heightened, every sound and movement a potential cue. Then, just as the sun lifts higher, a soft rustling in the brush catches your attention. With deliberate grace, a young buck emerges from the thicker woods, cautiously making his way toward the water for his morning drink. You sit in awe, immersed in the beauty and rhythm of God’s creation.
Overview
Primal Heart offers men a transformative 3 to 7-day experience in the heart of the wilderness, where life’s noise is stripped away and the true essence of who they were created to be comes into focus. Built around hunting or fishing and shared brotherhood, these experiences invite men to reconnect with God and rediscover the strength and purpose He has placed within. Drawing on the promise of Matthew 11:28-29, where Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest and renewal, these journeys allow men to return to their families and communities with a renewed spirit and a deeper commitment to their roles as leaders, providers, and protectors.
An overview of the experiences is highlighted below. For a detailed example of a 4-day turkey hunting experience, click here.
“Then, just as the sun lifts higher, a soft rustling in the brush catches your attention. With deliberate grace, a young buck emerges…”
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arriving, men will settle into camp, helping unload food, organize gear, and set up the space where the next few transformative days will unfold. This is a time to meet one another, break the ice, and prepare for the journey ahead.
We’ll begin with an introduction to the land—whether it’s a sprawling forest, a serene river, or a rugged wilderness. This grounding moment reflects our commitment to stewardship of creation, reminding us that we are caretakers of the earth God entrusted to us.
Skills & Preparation
The first part of the trip is spent learning and preparing for the hunt or fishing expedition. Depending on the focus of the trip, this might include:
Learning to shoot a bow with accuracy and confidence.
Mastering tree stand setup and safety techniques.
Practicing turkey calls to lure in your target.
Tying fishing knots, casting lines, and understanding river currents for salmon and trout fishing.
Tracking deer trails and setting up strategic positions.
For beginners and seasoned outdoorsmen alike, this is a time to grow in skill, build camaraderie, and embrace the adventure of stepping out of the ordinary and into the wild.
The Hunt & The Pursuit
The days begin early—before dawn. We rise in the dark, gear up, and head into position. Whether waiting in a tree stand, wading into the river, or quietly moving through the woods, this is a time to immerse ourselves in nature's stillness, pray, and connect with God.
As the sun rises and the world comes alive, the hunt begins. Each moment is filled with the thrill of the pursuit, the challenge of the wilderness, and the opportunity to practice surrender to God, letting go of distractions and leaning into His presence.
Daily Life at Camp
Afternoons are for fellowship, food preparation, and shared labor:
Chopping wood and building fires.
Preparing meals together, often over an open flame.
Reflecting on the day’s hunt and sharing stories with brothers in Christ.
Engaging in light manual labor to care for the camp or prepare for the next adventure.
These moments embody authenticity as we let go of the masks we wear in daily life and find freedom in vulnerability. Around the campfire, we experience brotherhood, sharing our struggles, encouraging one another in faith, and discovering how we can better serve God, our families, and our communities.
The Rhythm of the Outdoors
Life in the wilderness follows the rhythm of the land. Days are long, filled with the hard work of hunting and the quiet rewards of nature. The evenings wind down early as exhaustion sets in and the anticipation of another early morning builds.
Through hunting deer and turkey, fishing for salmon and trout, or simply spending time in the woods, these experiences are about more than the hunt. They are about connecting with the adventure of God’s creation, embracing stewardship of creation, and discovering what it means to live with surrender to God.
The Heart of the Journey
This experience is about more than the hunt—it’s about time with God, discovering your true self, and sharing life with brothers in Christ. The hunt is an added bonus, but the real reward lies in what you put into the journey. The effort you make to open your mind and heart will directly shape what you take away. We trust that Holy Spirit will move powerfully in those who are ready to receive Him, transforming this time into something truly unforgettable.
Are You Ready?
Are you ready to awaken your heart, build lasting brotherhood, and rediscover your purpose in God’s creation?
Wild Encounters with God
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
