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Ray Howell's youthful years were filled with boyhood dreams of hunting and fishing, however, these boyhood dreams were not to become a reality until after he turned 18 due to working on his foster parent's farm when he wasn't attending school. Living on the farm taught him to work hard, but he didn't have anyone to teach him about hunting or fishing. He had to learn these on his own through trial and error. A year after leaving the farm he had become totally fascinated with the sport of archery and was able to harvest his first white tail deer. Working on the farm did not allow him time to participate in school sports either and as a result, Ray's competitive nature led him to become involved with the sport of power lifting after turning 18. He has successfully broken several drug-free State and National records and continues his pursuit in this field by competing and helping area youth compete also.
At the age of 23 Ray started his own welding shop because of his grandfather's influence and the work ethics he had learned while living on the farm. He persisted even through all the hardest of times and that persistence paid off. He has learned to never give up no matter what you're trying to achieve.
Ray and his wife Karen have a family of 9 children and 25 grandchildren and live in Southeastern Minnesota near the borders of Wisconsin and Iowa. Through the years, the close proximity to these other states has given him the opportunity to successfully harvest several P&Y white tails in all three states.
Following his boyhood dreams has taken him to the frigid cold and snow of the Arctic, the wilderness areas of Mexico, throughout the forests of Canada, the remote regions of the Yukon, and in many of the 50 states including Alaska on his quest to harvest the 28 North American animals. Travels to South Africa have allowed Ray to harvest a variety of plains game, which has also been a dream come true for him.
He is currently a guest host for the American Archer TV show and is on the Pro Staff of several organizations involved with archery.
Realizing his boyhood dreams has not only enhanced his love for the sport of archery and bow hunting but has also provided him the means to become a mentor to several underprivileged youths by introducing them to the outdoors and the sport of bow hunting.
Learn more about Ray Howell and his Kicking Bear Program.
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