The Hunter Spotlight Series | VanKeon Hood
This week the Hunter Spotlight Series heads back south, to Georgia... where we learn more about Keon... who has a goal to bring OUR representation above "2 Percent".
By Cliff Cadet | Equalized Outdoors Newsroom
Name: VanKeon Hood
Hometown: Phenix City, Alabama
Currently Residing: Smyna, GA (Atlanta)
I'm gonna' jump right in and ask.... what is "2 Percenter"?
"2 Percenter is an organization that is focused on increasing the percentage of black hunters nationwide, starting here in Atlanta, GA."
What motivates you to help folks that look like us, get into the outdoors?
"Well...it's a couple of things...
"For one...my love for the outdoors.
"I want people to know that the outdoors is there for them.
"I don't want people to have any bad experiences. Those negative experiences can deter people forever.
"I want people to have a network of hunters they can connect with and feel safe around at all times.
"Lastly...I hope to inspire the next generation of black hunters in hopes that 2% increases year after year...decade after decade.
"My own negative experience, in North Dakota, fueled the efforts for this organization. I want to travel to hunt. But I also want to come back alive AND not be the only back person on a trip."
Here's a two-parter... How long have you, yourself been hunting? And who got you into it?
"I've been hunting since I was about 5 or 6 years old. My dad would take my brother and I with him squirrel and rabbit hunting. He had the gun and he would teach us what to look for and proper hunter safety."
Did you experience any struggles when starting out?
"Honestly? It was some technical stuff I had trouble with. For example, I struggled understanding thermals. Deer hunting can be challenging but it's so rewarding."
What's your favorite wild game to hunt?
"Whitetail deer and wild turkey.
"I enjoy deer hunting because there are so many factors that have to go right in order for you to be successful. You must scout, make time to seed food plots, choose correct trails to place trail cameras on, and most importantly hang up stands for the best chance at success.
"Here in Georgia, we can harvest 12 deer per hunter (10 does & 2 bucks) per season and in Alabama we can harvest 2 does per day and 3 bucks per year.
"Now turkey hunting is an adrenaline rush. It's nothing that comes close to hearing that gobbler getting closer and closer to your set up."
You like to hunt. But do you enjoy fishing as well?
"Fishing was my first love. I was introduced to it at the age of 4. I vividly remember my dad picking me up from kindergarten, with my little brother in the car, my PB & J sandwich (my favorite as a child) and heading to this private lake...where we would catch giant bluegills all evening."
What kind of fish do you like to catch?
"Honestly? I like catching all types of fish.
"Growing up...my dad introduced me to the artificial lures "Bettle Spin" and "Curly Tail Jig" and I was hooked. As a 7-year-old kid, understanding I could catch fish without live bait made me want to go every day. The possibilities were endless.
"Now in Smyrna, I love to target Bream (8 inches or better), Shellcracker (10 inches or better), my limit of Striped Bass and one of my favorites is those darn Crappie. I also filet everything. I eat too fast to worry about the bones."
The Atlanta Braves baseball team just recently hosted a "Hunting & Fishing" night. What was it like to attend an event like that?
"It was a great event. The game was sold out. We had a father and son come down from North Carolina. Also, one of my high school classmates came in from Alabama. I also was able to receive some new social media follows that will be joining us on our next hunting adventure."
A little birdie told me that you once worked for Sitka. In what capacity?
"This is true. At one point, I was their Marketing Manager. I was responsible for their social media posts and organizing monthly marketing events.
"I use some of those skills to put together organized hunts here in Georgia. Last year we held two squirrel hunts and this year I plan on doing more."
I, personally, am relatively new to hunting and have been learning about all the popular hunting brands in the industry. Could you tell us what the experience was like working for such a recognizable company?
"I had good and bad experiences. But it was mostly great because I got paid to talk about hunting daily. I enjoyed my interactions with the customers and building authentic relationships.
"It was very refreshing reading Google 5-star reviews about me...simply because I treated people how I'd want to be treated.
"The bad part was some customers questioning if I hunted, simply ignoring me when I greeted them or calling me out of my name. It just showed me that this 2 Percenter organization is needed."
What's your hunting weapon of choice?
"Diamondback .308... and I'm currently getting into archery for these urban deer.
What's your favorite hunting memory?
"2026 turkey opener with both my parents and my brother. We plan on making this a family tradition from here on out."
What would be the biggest piece of advice that you'd offer to someone getting into hunting?
"Try it.
"Don't allow your fear to keep you stagnant. The 2 Percenter purpose is to encourage folks, provide them with numerous tools, and to help them get started in their new hobby.
"These events are family friendly; I encourage everyone to bring their families. Everyone is more than welcome!"
That's it for this weeks Hunter Spotlight Series. Follower the Keon and the 2 percenters on Instagram @2.percenter
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