FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Please feel free to contact us with any questions that cannot be answered in the program tabs below.
Ardent Archers
Ardent Archers is designed for people who have never been archery hunting before. The target audience of Ardent Archers consists of individuals who would like to become involved with archery deer hunting, but are not able to do so for one reason or another. Lack of mentorship, funding, and resources are examples of barriers that prevent people from becoming involved. If you or anyone else fits into this category, please feel free to contact Ardent Archers to see about joining the program.
This program starts at the beginning of August and runs through the hunting season. Our participants learn about the sport through various classroom and shooting sessions that take place in August. The participants then apply their newly acquired skills throughout various hunting sessions that take place from September-December.
Ardent Archers is an affiliate program of Ardent Outdoor Group. The program is run by Ardent OG Board Members Jesse LaMere and Matt Wilkie in the Twin Cities, and by Retired Marine John Chance in St Cloud. The programs are operated by a combination of Ardent OG staff members, volunteers, and any former Ardent Archers who want to remain involved in the program. Our motto is “Once an Ardent Archer, always an Ardent Archer.”
Participants have access to their own archery equipment, archery range, and tutelage all free of charge. Participants are given the opportunity to retain the equipment at the culmination of the program so that they are better encouraged to stay involved with the sport.
Aside from greatly appreciated financial donations, you can support Ardent Archers in any of the following ways:
-Offering access to private land for hunting
-Donating old equipment such as arrows, targets, deer stands/blinds, hunting clothing, or any other hunting accessories
-Volunteering as an experienced archer willing to help with practice sessions, or as an experienced hunter willing to sit in the woods with one of our participants.
-Offering access to private land for hunting
-Donating old equipment such as arrows, targets, deer stands/blinds, hunting clothing, or any other hunting accessories
-Volunteering as an experienced archer willing to help with practice sessions, or as an experienced hunter willing to sit in the woods with one of our participants.
Ardent Alpinists
Ardent Alpinists is designed for anyone who wants to become involved with rock climbing, but do not necessarily know how to go about doing it. Our program is run in a camaraderie style atmosphere that makes the challenge more fun than intimidating. Please contact us if you or someone you know may be interested in becoming an Ardent Alpinist.
The instructional sessions of Ardent Alpinists take place at the Vertical Endeavors located in Bloomington MN. After gaining the knowledge and skills to try areas outside of the facility, our participants go on group climbs to various climbing destinations such as Taylors Falls, Duluth, and Red Wing.
Ardent Alpinists is an affiliate program of Ardent Outdoor Group and is run by Ardent OG Board Member Logan Dop. Logan is a passionate climber, as well as a valued employee for Vertical Endeavors.
Financial donations are the best way to spoort Ardent Alpinists. These donations go towards things such as facility rental time, climbing gear, and travel expenses for our outdoor trips.
Big Fish and Fry
Big Fish and Fry is open to anyone who is wanting and willing to experience ice fishing. This program is fully hands on where our participants are fishing and learning the entire time they are on the ice. BFF teams up with a number of various organizations, schools, and other outlets to put on these events. Please reach out if you or someone you know may want to give ice fishing a shot!
Big Fish and Fry Day program events take place on various lakes throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area. The Overnight Program is run on Lake Mille Lacs.
Big Fish and Fry events typically cost about $100/hr for a group of up to 30 people. BFF does have various donation funds available for programs who are unable to fund the events themselves.
Financial donations and volunteers are the two biggest ways to help support Big Fish and Fry.