Since 2021, Leupold has been running a contest that highlights everything America loves about hunting. The iconic optics manufacturer has dubbed it "Project Hunt," and what's fascinating about this contest is that the prize is a professionally filmed and edited video of the winner that is released the following year. There were actually two 2023 winners of the Project Hunt contest--you can find the first one here--and their films have been released a few months apart. Today, Leupold has released the story of 2023 Project Hunt winner Cody Austin.
Austin's life as an arborist was disrupted when he received a life-changing medical diagnosis: multiple sclerosis. Facing an uncertain future, Cody chose to seize the moment and cash in his elk points for an unforgettable adventure in the wilds of Wyoming.
“Stories like Cody’s are exactly why we launched the Project Hunt campaign,” said Bruce Pettet, President and Chief Executive Officer of Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “His resilience, his refusal to give up, and his incredible passion for the outdoors embody what it means to be relentless. We’re proud to have the opportunity to share his story.”
Do you have a hunting story that needs to be told, or know someone else who does? Each year, Leupold accepts applications, with winning entrants receiving a professional videographer to capture their entire hunt. Winners also receive a complete Leupold Optics kit and a GOHUNT Insider Membership. To enter, applicants are asked to detail what they’re hunting, where they’re hunting and why their story is unique. A two-minute video explaining why their submission should be selected is also required. A complete list of contest rules can be found at Leupold.com/ProjectHunt. The application period for the next round of Project Hunt will open in Spring 2025, so stay tuned!
