A Mile in My Shoes: Nicko's Idaho Elk Hunt

The team at Elk101 has been involved in providing elk hunting opportunities for youth with life-threatening illnesses for several years. Each hunt is unique, and each child brings individual characteristics and challenges.
In the end, these hunts are the most rewarding hunts we have the opportunity to be a part of, and we are blessed far more than we can ever express. God's hand is evident in every one of these experiences, as it is in the lives of those families He brings our way.
Nicholas (Nicko) was born with Myelomeningocele, also know as open spina bifada. At birth, his spinal canal was open across several vertebrae along his back, causing paralysis and several other health struggles. Nicko has undergone multiple surgeries throughout his life, but through all of his struggles, he's developed a smile and an attitude that are infectious.
Nicko loves hunting and the outdoors, and he's dreamed of hearing an elk bugle in the wild, with the hopes of one day shooting a big bull elk. Like he says, elk are "like deer, but cooler and better." And we couldn't agree with him more!
Join the team from ELK101 as we team up with Outfitters 4 Hope and bring Nicko and his family into the great outdoors of Idaho in search of bugling bulls!

[@heathley]

Hey everyone, Nicko's mom here. Nicko has read every single comment, and all of your congratulations, positivity and encouragement is so heartwarming. I can say with all truthfulness that Corey, Donnie and every person involved with this hunt and Outfitters 4 Hope were simply wonderful. God blessed us richly.

[@calebswartz6273]

Always the capstone of every season. You guys are blessed among men for what you do for these kids, and for sharing your faith. God bless you fellas for all you do for these kids and for the Kingdom.

[@tagsoupelklife6260]

It always amazes me, but all the people behind elk 101 is really nice to see that there's still people caring about other people. That's what this world needs is more of that. Once again, thank you to everybody from elk 101 for making this possible watching everybody take time out of their day to make this hunt possible. For the little guy people caring about people. It's a greatest thing. Thank you guys from oak 101

[@timothychance3757]

Congratulations guys. Wonderful hunt for special young man. Thanks to everyone who had a part in it. Thanks for giving GOD the GLORY. All things that are good come from Him. Thanks Elk 101

[@kroadie3936]

Good to see a young man fulfil his dream hunting with a couple of legends, if you had tears in your eyes it was the dad joke ,thank you all have a nice day.

[@DerekBluemel]

as a father of a special needs son, i can;t help but be ever so grateful for men like you doing hunts like this! brings many emotions watching the efforts that are put forth by all of those involved.may you be blessed beyond measure to be able to continue these amazing hunts for these amazing kids.

[@gagepatton1524]

Incredible! So thankful for Donnie and Corey and Nicko and all the family that was involved in such a wonderful hunt. Glory to God!

[@obeyhim4742]

By far the best episode of the season! As a Pastor, Hunter, and Conservationist, I have the utmost respect for you guys making Nicko's experience world class. He is not only a champion in attitude, but also as a human being. To Corey, Donnie, and everyone that helps make Elk101 a success, God has blessed you to be a blessing. Thank you and congratulations to Nicko on a successful hunt.

[@gregbetts9568]

These Elk101 season-ending videos are some of the best of V1 through V5, and this one is no exception. I thank all involved for their efforts and time to make it such a memorable experience and to make it available for all to enjoy. I feel the camera crew captured the heart-warming feeling of not only the hunter and the rest of the crew, but the hunter’s parents, themselves. The expressions on their faces show their emotions and their reward for the dedication and commitments made to raise a child to this point. Thank you all.

[@SiRMickX]

“There’s one thing I still haven’t told you: I now believe, by the way, that miracles can happen.” Thanks Elk 101!! You guys are so special to share your love to the community!! Once again Thank You.

[@kellyheard6197]

We have watched every episode of your and many others. This episode with Nikko leaves me in tears. What a wonderful way to give back and do for others. And hearing Donny pray was such a testament to our Great Creator and how He is the one who is the great provider. Thank you!

[@scotrehbein-sy1uv]

If your face doesn’t leak watching this, somethings wrong. Only a few minutes in and I’ve seen so many tools that allow hunts like this to happen, technology is amazing. I have an autistic grandson that’s only 4, but I pray when it’s time to take him hunting he will enjoy the woods as much as I do. So much respect for y’all, Thank You, for allowing us to enjoy this experience.

[@mjk2259]

THIS is what being an outdoorsman is all about. I applaud everyone who makes these hunts possible. Thank you for making these viedos.

[@garrycraig6468]

This was by far the best video of the year from elk101. God has a special place for men like you guys.

[@jeffwestenfelt9081]

Thank you all for what you do for these kids. God bless you. Congratulations Nicko!!

[@cindydenton2681]

This is definitely the highlight of of the year for us! Thank you elk 101 for all the episodes but most of all for this one! Words just can’t say enough here!

[@scottdraves8846]

Thank you Corey and Donnie for sharing this incredible hunt. Thanks also to all of the sponsors, team, and volunteers that helped this young man’s dream come true. God bless each one of you.

[@shaneedens6413]

These are always my favorite hunts of the year to watch. I pray that yall will be able to continue doing these for many more years to come. What a blessing you all are to these kids and to everyone that gets to be apart of it by watching the video. I love how each of you are showing the Love of Jesus to the kids and there families by going above and beyond to give a wonderful memory to them.

[@wallow74]

What a special hunt. Thanks to all for making that happen. Love Nicko's sense of humor and attitude on life. Great job buddy.!

[@shanespicer6348]

Each year I look forward to this episode of you guys helping children that have problems. Each year I end up with a tears in my eyes. Listening to the boys mother talk was amazing. I would just like to say thank you to all the people involved in making this possible. God bless.

[@jamestraynor9947]

😂😂 I just want to thank all of you for giving this young Canadian man the memory of a lifetime. The Elk population her in Canada is not like the USA states. I had to stop watching to comment. ELK 101 is an amazing organization. Thanks again from your Northern neighbors.

[@brianhait7256]

I’m 90 seconds in and have tears in my eyes! You are all good people!!

[@scottmiller2455]

Me too

[@beaugoodman8994]

Words can't begin to explain the feelings I get when people come together to give someone an unforgettable experience! Elk 101 my hats off to you guys

[@lukemorris7704]

Man, what a hunt! Nicko’s hesitation to take a shot because everything wasn’t perfect speaks to his character so much! He wanted the shot to be perfect for an ethical kill, even if that meant missing an opportunity on a great bull. Thank you guys for taking the time out of your elk season to get this done! Y’all are awesome!

[@nickokarpan699]

As hunters we should always think “if I were on the same end of that gun, would I want it over quick?” And if the answer to that question is yes (which I’d say for most it is), then we owe it to the animal to do the same! Thank you so much for your kind words!! God bless!

[@JohnConnell-wz5lg]

What a treat watching Nicko and everyone coming together to make such a memorable hunt. These young men and women will remember these moments forever, you guys did Good!

[@gregbobrowich7]

Thank you for allowing all of us to share in the adventure of Nicko's hunt. Amazing young man! Such strong loving parents. Great video and thanks to all that make this happen.

[@tonymoosman2743]

Incredible! Thank you Corey and Donnie and everyone that makes this hunt possible, and the camera man for capturing it and sharing it with us!

[@jeffbingaman5232]

Thank you Nicko for showing us courage, happiness, determination. You are an inspiration

[@nickokarpan699]

God is the one who is the inspiration, I’m just a vessel he chose to show courage and determination through!😁👍

[@maureenkarpan822]

Way to go Nicko. I wasn't able to go on this journey with you but I sure enjoyed watching it with you. I am so proud to be your favorite Auntie and you always inspire me. Love you to the moon and back ❤. Thank you to all the guys who made this possible for my Nicko to go on his dream hunt

[@jeffkilburg1998]

Perspective is good for us all. What Nicko accomplished here is due to a great group of gentleman, a loving family, his persistence, but most of all, God. While it’s true that it’s events or situations like this that make us appreciate what we have, it’s also events such as this that help us grow closer to our Father. Such a wonderful story, a wonderful young man, and testament to faith.

[@mikeholland5997]

Way to go Nicko!! That is an amazing bull!! The elk 101 guys are true hero’s. God bless you guys🙏🏻

[@troywilliams4406]

Another great episode. The Elk101 crew and Outfitters 4 Hope crew are all around great people! Thank you for all the good you do, the joy you bring, and for letting us share in the experience with you.

[@keithkester8574]

There are few words to describe it. I can’t say anything that would do it justice, that little man is tougher than I will be ever be. You are a living inspiration Nicko and I hope I can be half the parent that yours are 🙏🏼. The resilience is breathtaking and these hunts always realign what I consider to be problems in my life. Seeing Sam carry Nicko up to the bull did it for me I lost it. You are also an inspiration Sam, whoever says adults can’t learn from children is not paying attention. Thank you Corey, thank you Donnie, thank you to all of the teams and sponsors this year and thank you to everyone getting involved and making this happen for Nicko and his family, until next year! Cheers 🍻

[@fosterfarm9933]

I'm not crying, you're crying! These are the most amazing hunts to watch, period.

[@kodiakfisher]

Corey I really think your calling in life are these hunts you do and your ability to meet them on their level and just naturally interact with these kids. Really a testament to both yours and Donnies Character. Thank you for doing these to remind us what it is really about and to remind us to appreciate all that we have.

[@stevesanders9831]

What an inspiration you are Nicko! My favorite hunt this year, thank you to all who made this happen! Great bull Nicko!

[@hunt1198]

That’s amazing to see that all those guys did that for that kid. I cant even imagine being in his spot. I’m disabled now at age 40. It’s hard for me I’ve been since I was 26. Hunting was my life. I wasn’t suppose to walk after my accident. But after 2 years of therapy I started walking wearing braces. I broke my back and have 14 screws and 2 rods in my back. Now my wife is my back bone if I get drawn to go hunting. I can’t tell u how much I appreciate her for everything she does for me. I look forward for more videos like this one. Keep it up.

[@djslaugh]

Favorite show of the season 100% of the time… what y’all do is amazing and a blessing to watch. Thank you for this.

[@iainking4256]

Thank you Nicko, Carey and Donnie for sharing this awesome hunting trip with us, once again I ended up in tears for the courage and joy we saw in Nicko, and the happiness the people with him showed at the end, lastly we thank the Lord for the awesome Bull you gave this young man. Once again Corey and Donnie you never cease to amaze me with your smiles and happy personalities. Cheers from Australia.

[@kenbaty7212]

People need to realize there are people out there that struggle. You guys give many people hope there is still good in mankind. Thank you!!!

[@thomasrroth673]

Congratulations Niko! I'm glad you were able to go elk hunting with Elk101. I sometimes take it for granted that I can go out west and hunt elk. Seeing that smile on your face when you were able to put your hands on that elk was priceless. I will continue to support this organization for all the great work they do.

[@johnbailey6022]

I wished I could give Nicko a hug. Makes my lifes disappointments and struggles seem so minor that I feel ashamed. What a great kid. Thank you Elk101 for doing these hunts for these kids. Pretty awesome and emotional. 👍👊

[@dwightlindahl1765]

Almost 400 yards on a moving bull, in a pressure cooker situation. Bugs, heat, people pushing you and talking, calling, elk moving, days into the hunt, all on camera, etc. What a SNIPER! Well done young man! Great shot and perseverance!

[@lazercod]

If you ever only decide to shoot only one video, it needs to be the Outfitters for hope! A big thank you to everyone involved!

[@SlagerOutdoors]

Congratulations Nicko!! Incredible shooting!! The Elk 101 Crew truly are from the heart. Great job to all involved on this amazing hunt!

[@chrispiper9286]

I love Nicko talking smack back to you guys! What a special experience for everyone involved. Thanks for talking the time to make things like this a reality.

[@mikesanders4488]

Wow... a perfect 7x7...what a dream. Probably won't be able to sleep tonight. Nice job Donnie, Cory and the gang. Certainly God has blessed and rewarded you for your charity alone.

[@3tTeam]

Priceless! Selflessness returns ten fold. I am confident you all got as much or more from the hunt as Nicko. Well done guys!

[@sethniswender3636]

What a blessing that a life that was created was given a chance and he excelled. Love the prayer these people are a true testament.

[@brettprice5600]

Nice bull Nicko! To all of the people that helped: What a great way to dedicate your time, an experience you will never forget! Well done!

[@kathleennewton3110]

Amazing video❣️❣️ Love that you guys prayed . God is good❣️ And u guys are all amazing for making this happen for nicko & his family❣️❣️ Definitely shed some tears, wonderful video!!! ❤️✝️🇺🇲

[@klayekitchen]

Flipping epic! From the story at the beginning about this strong young man and Donnies prayer on the first day… don’t get no better than that! Congrats Nicko on a great bull and awesome work elk101 crew and guides. Stuff like this is what the world needs more of these days!

[@jonlacy3620]

Hands down my favorite hunting episode of any show every year. Thank you guys for doing this. God Bless you all.

[@jayswoboda4073]

How can you not tear up watching. Thank you elk 101. Helping put life in perspective .

[@ericsimons4082]

You guys at destination elk 101 are absolutely awesome for the things you all do for the love of elk hunting and what you all do for special needs kids and adults .... Watching this episode brought tears to my eyes... You all keep on keeping on

[@brucelewis9211]

Some many emotions watching this episode. We take the simple things in life for granted. So proud of Nicko and thank all of the great folks that put in the time for all of this to happen and be filmed. You guys are awesome for sharing your passion with a child. Congratulations Nicko Thanks again to all of you.

[@steviegallegos9470]

Awesome hunt guys! Thank you for all that you do to put these hunts together! GREAT SHOT NICKO! And congratulations on a great bull! And it was great to see Sam participating! Brought tears to my eyes! Makes me VERY thankful for my time in the elk woods!

[@MichaelRuetty]

What a story. Thank you for all you do. Your skills and your desire to share them and more than that you willingness to share your faith. God bless Nico and all of you.

[@anthonyh954]

So amazing! I love every single part of this episode! It was encouraging. Great job elk101! So glad to see and hear you guys give praise to our great God. You have shown a great example of God's love!

[@nicolerattray1073]

Simply amazing what the Elk 101 crew does every year! Congrats Nicko!

[@collinstory9655]

I say it every year but if I could only watch one elk hunting video a year those one would be it. Tears roll every time. What elk 101 does as a team to make this happen speaks volumes to how godly and selfless the elk 101 team is. Thanks for sharing an amazing story! GREAT SHOT NICKO!

[@perryknetter8577]

Thank you for The Elk 101 Team and all who was involved. God has blessed you all Most kids are Victor's and not victims. It's always great to see great people put others before themselves God's Blessings to you all in all of your adventures 🙏

[@kevinp9867]

Congrats Nicko on your huge bull!!! Thank you Corey and Donnie and everyone else who made this hunt possible. Was good to see Corey’s son there too. Love these special hunts.

[@jeffminske10]

finally got to watch the video, first ten minutes brought me to tears. God bless you all for what you do. You give us hope for what people should be to each other, cannot wait to someday shake your hand.

[@jeromyluffman5636]

Look forward to this hunt every year. It's awesome seeing all the love for hunt that the crew and hunter share. Congrats on a bull of a lifetime Nicko. Awesome hunt...

[@mattychamberlin]

Best episode. Thank you for sharing the prayers. God is so good even in times of struggle.

[@michaelsummers6857]

My favorite hunt of the year! Thank yall for filming for us to see! Awesome bull Nicko!

[@Fishcop669]

So encouraging to see the teamwork and diligence you men put forward to give this amazing gift, it rings the "tuning fork" in my heart! May the Lord continue to bless your efforts! Hebrews 6:10

[@tonyterbeek7293]

Love seeing everyone start the hunt with prayer

[@christophercampese-yn2kw]

I started watching Destination Elk 101 V5 this season as a means to acclimate myself to what hunting will be like in Idaho later on this year when I do a guided elk/mule deer hunt in early November. I really enjoyed the first few episodes and found myself looking forward to each new episode’s release and getting to know the players and hosts. Of all the episodes, this was my favorite! I really enjoyed the interaction and fellowship with Nicko and his family, and the way that all involved dedicated themselves to making his dream hunt be a success. With or without the harvest, it would have been a success! God works with us and through us to satisfy our needs and the needs of others, and God is great! Thank you Corey and Donnie for your time, dedication and service. I am so happy that I was lead to your channel and look forward to tuning in to see the great things that you two are up to in the future. Thanks and God bless you guys!

[@garyburns9668]

God bless you guys for taking Nicko on this memorable hunt. He will never forget it. Very well done by the way! Gb

[@kylewhitman1313]

I love all of the stuff you guys do but it is these hunts that get me every time. I may be a grown man but I still shed a tear when I watch all the love and inspiration you give to these people. We all have something to learn from those with disabilities and the way they keep positive even though life is not easy for them. To the parents with kids with disabilities thank you for not giving up and raising your kids like they don't have a disability. Nicko looks to be a positive smart kid and I am sure he had the time of his life. Congratulations Nicko. Corey for your son to step up and carry Nicko without being asked and to be his legs says a lot about how you and your wife has raised your kids. I would like to say thank you to you and all who raise their kids right with love, passion, manors and selflessness. I would also like to thank all of the people at Elk 101 and others involved in making these types of hunts possible and the countless time and effort put in to make them happen. God Bless.

[@timnaber5509]

This was defiantly a very special hunt for a very special young man. Congrats on such a beautiful bull buddy. I have really been looking forward to watching this hunt ever since I found out Nicko was the lucky lad to be selected. The excitement he still had months later when telling me about the adventure was still so amazing. A person can really see he enjoyed the whole experience along with each one of the guys. I can't say enough about Corey and Donny and the whole team that make these hunts possible for the young people. God Bless you all richly, I can see it is a genuine gift from each of your hearts.

[@lunatico9596]

These hunts always get to me. Every time I watch these hunts I get a little emotional 😭 Randy Newberg does these hunts as well and man it's tough watching them. These kiddos are so strong and they teach us all a very valuable lesson. Like Corey said, we look at our problems and they do not compare to what they're going through. ❤ I know this first hand, my daughter was born with a congenital cataract. Very rare specially on a kid, she has been through 6 major surgeries, so many anesthesia. Now she has glucoma and can barely see out of her eye. Its been a tough road but she has taught me a lot! Thank you guys for these special hunts, really touches the heart. You guy have an awesome group of people, it shows that you care. Thank you!

[@mikefievet7205]

Elk 101, you guys are incredible. This was by far the best episode!! Way to go Nicko! You are a great young man with a great attitude. Congratulations on a dandy bull..

[@TylerBrooks-el8xo]

Way to go Nicko! That was awesome, what a great hunt that formed some special memories for all involved. Thanks for sharing those moments with us.

[@leonwells9953]

As always you guys go above and beyond to ensure these kids get the full experience of a elk hunt. What a blessed group you guys are. Nicko’s humor and giving you all a hard was too cool.

[@mattproffitt4570]

Congratulations Nicko, that is one beautiful bull and you earned it. Not to mention that shot, good grief you had me on the edge of my seat. Excellent shooting.

[@kirkbrown7691]

An amazing bull for an amazing young man. Congratulations Nicko, your attitude is inspiring. When life gives you lemons………make lemonade, Nicko is a perfect example of that. Thanks Cory and Donnie and everyone that make Outfitters 4 Hope and these hunts possible. We are all blessed that you bring us along for the experience.

[@tamashucsko5827]

God bless you Elk 101! Cory and Donnie you guys are wonderful. My heart squeezed so many times, and my eyes were teared. Thank you!

[@daveeness104]

Once again, the best video of the year. Thank you all for all you put into making Nicko's hunt a wonderful experience and a success. God bless you.

[@troyvaughn2773]

Thanks for sharing this with us all. I am so proud to be part of this brotherhood we call elk hunters. Way to hang in there Niko for your shot and your bull!

[@joeyevans6957]

Once again it brought tears to my eyes seeing the amazing things you guys do for these kids. Congratulations Niko.

[@drewcollins77]

Always my favorite episode of the year!!! Glory to God

[@lesandannequinn3148]

God bless you all for taking Nicko on this elk hunt. What a great kid with an outstanding attitude. I look foreword to this hunt each year. Thank you

[@philipbowman9340]

I blame Biden for everything too😂! Thank you all for letting Nico's dream come true on a great bull. The dynamic of these hunts are so special. This hunt will live on inside of him for many years to come. Like always another amazing video!

[@jmyhre7340]

Thank you, Donnie, for your opening prayer. Awesome job everyone!

[@briancunningham4588]

This episode really shows your true characters and what great people you all are. God Bless.

[@mattsilva6827]

Always a pleasure to watch this video every year. It is a great thing that you do for these kids. They will never forget it.

[@brianmalick2946]

You wanna talk about a smart kid with a great attitude. This is always one of my favorite hunts every year. What a shot!!

[@donaldjenkins4161]

Very well done gentlemen. Absolutely heart warming. Congrats Nicko and everyone else involved.

[@masstrapper7645]

I love these youth hunts. I don’t cry very often but these youth hunts always brings them out. It remind me of how small and insignificant my problems are. Very humbling. Congratulations Niko. That’s a magnificent bull. You are certainly a inspiration to us all. Huge thanks to Cory and Donnie, you guys are my hero’s. Thanks for all you do. 👍👍

[@denisemead764]

Congratulations Nicko! You made a great shot! Beautiful, unique bull! Hats off to Nicko's family, Corey, Donnie, and crew. An amazing hunt and memories made foe all.

[@wyo7988]

Amazing! I'm at a loss for words I was on the edge of my seat I wanted that to work out for Nicko so bad. Great job capturing that moment and thank you for sharing it! What an inspiration Nicko is!

[@davevore8801]

Absolutely the best hunt of the year. It's always one of my episodes.

[@Bw37216]

Just inspiring! Nicko your positive attitude is incredible, and we can all learn from it! Congratulations on a great bull and incredible shot! To the Outfitters for Hope guys thank you so much for doing this. Not only does this provide an opportunity of a lifetime to a hunter, but you inspire all of us to follow your lead and give back to the hunting community!

[@troyneubauer9031]

Absolutely incredible. To be able to just help in a way that you guys did. To give him that opportunity is a memory that he will never forget. You guys are rockstars.

[@commandosando1628]

God bless all of you for coming together and making these happen for all these kiddos. Especially the landowners. PS - Corey your Obama care/Biden joke had us all LOLing 🤣. But in all seriousness, THIS is what it's all about and these are always the best episodes of the seasons. Thanks again Team elk101 for everything you do. You guys are awesome.

[@johnecrouch2671]

The love of a parent for a child can overcome a lot of issues. Faith can heal beyond what medical science can sometimes. It's wonderful that so many people gather together and expend their all to allow this young man an experience something so amazing.

[@mikemann9016]

This is probably my favorite episode of every season. It’s wonderful what you guys are doing. It has to be good for the heart to do this! It’s great you’re blessed with this opportunity to meet these amazing people!