SITKA Films | How Far We've Come

After years of dedicated work as a sheep guide in the remote mountains of the Northwest Territories, Ambassador Rachel Ahtila is rewarded with her first Dall sheep hunt. It's her dream, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; and choosing a hunting partner for this 10-day hunt could mean the difference between success and failure in the harsh and unforgiving Canadian wilderness. In spite of their complicated relationship, she invites her father to join her, choosing time in the mountains as a chance to reconnect with her dad.

[@Cody_Austin]

I didn’t expect Sitka to make me cry today but here I am. Thank you to Rachel and Brian (and Sitka) for sharing their memories with us. Some of the best ones are made while hunting.

[@msbonding1]

I loved the fact that the basis of this video was their relationship NOT the quality of the ram. Looks like their love for each other is now stronger than ever

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for appreciating pulling the focus of a kill and on to a human experience. Rachel and her dad are doing great.

[@blakecrawford9303]

Stole the words from my mouth. This is a good one. I could feel it like I was there. Thanks for sharing

[@sasquatchrosefarts]

​@@SITKAGear you don't charge a fresh round into a rifle and then have a crying fit. You Canadians and your feminism are toast. It's fine if they have a relationship and drama in a hunting video. But the last thing you do is have a crying fit after you put a loaded round into the chamber......and the cameraman is nearly in front of that gun. It was a 5h17 show. This shows me that I will never pay for a female guide. Frankly,......I have never met even one intelligent Canadian in my life.... Maybe you're all just alcoholics.....

[@grant_thompson_twizel]

Right on

[@jamesbernardin4052]

I hunted with Rachel at Gana River Outfitters and can vouch for the fact that she is a first class guide and a first class person. Excellent at hunting, excellent with horses and people.

[@mfsanford]

This is real archival storytelling. Foregoing the "kill shot" was not only genius but essential to the soul of this hunt, father-daughter reconnection, and film.

[@YaboyElls]

That rifle report for me as a viewer and the edited silence that followed, really just made me think about this young lady and her father and how that crack heralded a shared experience that meant so much to them both, and im sure began a new chapter to be shared by them both, to the pair of them, my absolute best, and to Rachel, many more safe seasons on the hill. To Sitka, thanks for focusing so much on this film work, proud owner of a few pieces of your equipment, but to me, you are a media company doing great work putting out positive messages to the general viewers about what it is we love, live and breathe, thats the real ground work here, and what that does for conservation is boundless, really appreciated the carving of the meat, and the horn, but no trophy pictures, this really takes the glorification of the death away, and reconnects people to the true joy of the result of the kill, the memories and the meat. Good health to all, and happy hunting! Elliot

[@SITKAGear]

Elliot, thanks for tuning in! We couldn't have said it better. Thank you for all your support and kind words. Good luck this season. 🤝

[@garymason1916]

What a wonderful hunt!

[@justinsalaskanadventures]

Powerful. No.. I’m not crying, your crying!

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for the kind words Justin.

[@urbanarrows]

Best Father Daughter hunting video I have ever watched! It pulled my heart strings being a father with an amazing daughter. Thank you Rachel and Brian for taking me on this journey with you! Well done Sitka!

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for appreciating the bigger picture of this hunt- we were beyond thankful to be able to bring this one to life. Rachel and her dad were incredible.

[@GPAC78]

Loved this video…. Real life in its most raw form.

[@alwayswill315]

Enjoy the time with your Dad while he's still here. I sure do miss mine.

[@kenvanhorn7253]

A moment shot in time one tht will never be forgotten.

[@westllen1]

Super powerful, what a great film of great moments. Loved it.

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@tomschumacher5434]

This was beautiful, I couldn’t imagine not spending every day with my little girl.

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for the kind words Tom- those days are the ones that truly matter.

[@user-uq9wq3te1j]

that is the best video to show a non hunter why we do it. That is the best film i have ever watched hands down. Amazing job, that video hit me differently

[@SITKAGear]

We're glad to hear you saw the same value we did in this story. Thanks for the support!

[@jackiekinner3826]

A true inspiration to not just women but men too.

[@SITKAGear]

Rachel and her dad are one-of-a-kind. We were beyond thankful for them to let us tell their personal story.

[@jakef1977]

Sitka you guys are so awesome for doing this film. I don't even know what to say. As a divorced dad of two daughters. It hits like a ton of bricks.

[@glenncharles6622]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL

[@JermZ260]

To think I allmost skipped over this film.Then I watched it a second time,just with my daughter.Never again will I think to skip over a sitka film.Awsome hunt and great job to the film crew.And yes it got me twice.

[@SITKAGear]

Glad you enjoyed it- we were honored to get the opportunity to tell such a powerful story.

[@matthewcrino5826]

I don't rifle hunt. I'm still married to a fantastic wife and mother. I'm a father to two teenage daughters, our only children. This was the best 11 minutes and 33 seconds of video I've seen in a long time. There's so many messages in this and it relates to so many facets of life. It's fantastic film making. Thank you to everyone that took part in getting this to the masses and thank you to those two for allowing us to share their intimate moments. Well done.

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for appreciating the power in the moments this film presented.

[@tedmoses8069]

Rachel what a beautiful lady in and out I felt your story ....bringing your dad .was big always good to mend the fence ...and a beautiful wall hanger .that's what you call living right ..out skirts of heaven .❤be safe .love ya .can't wait to see u again

[@KOTW.Adventures]

I lost my dad to cancer 12 months ago. He was my favorite hunting buddy. Thank you for sharing your experience. ❤

[@SITKAGear]

We're so sorry to hear that. Sounds like he was an incredible man. Thanks for the kind words.

[@juanvelasco804]

Amazing. I may or may have not shed a tear also. Amazing.

[@SITKAGear]

We're hearing about the tears a lot. Mission accomplished. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@joshuawarren6792]

WOW. POWERFUL VIDEO. That hug was powerful, that man would've followed her anywhere on that mountain. This one got me in the feels #WELLDONE Rachael if your reading the comments - you're a badass!

[@SITKAGear]

Stoked to hear the film resonated with you. Thanks for giving it a watch.

[@haydensmith5071]

Absolutely bad ass. Well done Sitka.

[@SITKAGear]

We think so too. Glad you enjoyed the film Hayden.

[@CarolinaNocked]

Watched this in my gym while training. Been away from my 17 year old daughter for only a week but this really got to me. I can’t imagine how difficult it has been for you both and I thankful you have found each other again. Thank you both for sharing your journey. There is nothing like the love a father has for his baby girl 🙏

[@lynnlemoine1956]

Beautiful! 😢❤️❤️

[@blainepage]

Geez, you gotta give a guy a heads up - what a great, tear-jerker of a video for us dads.

[@SITKAGear]

We'll put a disclaimer on the next one for you. Thanks for tuning in.

[@shaneg8531]

This is harshness of life.. choices are made, paths aren't clear, and navigating uncertain waters always seem sure to be found on the journey. Being a father of one girl and two boys has changed my life for the best but I know I still make decisions that effect them. My wife and I are trying our hardest to lead and raise them. The more I see in life I grasp the time of how I spend it with or without them. It's powerful the bond that can be brought to life over a hunt. I try my hardest to raise my kidos today with that burning in my head and heart. Great video sitka n team. Thank you for sharing.

[@UNGL8R]

Beautiful in all ways. Thank you for making this

[@SITKAGear]

Thank you Reid.

[@jSko91]

Rachel & Dad, I just want to honor y'all - well done... and not on the hunt, but on working to restore your relationship. God bless you two and the folks who put this together! Oh, and great sheep, too! I pray this can be my daughter and I someday, she's 10 months old and already in some camo.

[@SITKAGear]

Thank you for the comment and for your appreciation of spotlighting an important topic: the restoration of strained relationships. We wish you and your daughter all the best.

[@rattlingjunkie]

Best films in the industry, a human story before the hunt, it's perfect.

[@mkeyser713]

Great Video! Really enjoyed the rawness of emotions being played out over the hunt. The real trophy was the healing that took place over that hunt. Bravo Sitka Films!

[@SITKAGear]

Yep, you get it. It's a huge part of what makes hunting together so valuable. Thanks for watching.

[@user-ql2ue9kv8m]

Great hunt Rachel! Congrats!!! Sheep hunts are challenging mentally and physically. But sometimes are emotional too! Those are the best memories that last forever!!! Cheers

[@MrYbeaudoin]

I’M NOT CRYING YOUR CRYING. What a refreshing video, no centered on the kill, but on the spirit of why all of us hunt. « You have to carry everything up the mountain »

[@SITKAGear]

So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@kevinmcmahan4541]

Hunting is healing, good for yo guys!

[@LumberjackLogic]

I honestly had no idea what to expect. I thought it would be more of a marketing video based on the title but it was awesome. I loved it. Being a dad to seven and three of them being daughters this spoke to me. Thank you.

[@SITKAGear]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the kind words.

[@stackitlikeabeast3294]

Girl I know nothing about but a broken family. I went thru it to. Many of us have. But Girl your still carrying a lot of weight inside. Over time you gotta find a way to let it all go! YOU did nothing wrong. ❤

[@evanm6714]

Such a great film! Thank you!

[@SITKAGear]

Glad you enjoyed it Evan.

[@jamespresnell9662]

Great heart moving video of love for family, hunt and environment.

[@SITKAGear]

Some of the most important things. Thanks for the kind words.

[@bobiker9285]

I don't think I've ever cried, for a hunting video until now. Amazing

[@SITKAGear]

Mission accomplished. Thanks for watching.

[@00ninja00]

Seen this video couple times, and still cry each time I see it. How I Wish I could have just one more hunting trip with my dad. I miss you dad.

[@SITKAGear]

We're sorry for your loss. The memories of your hunts together will be cherished forever.

[@00ninja00]

@@SITKAGear thank you. Yes I’m glad he taught me to hunt, and have many memories on trips with him. In fact, my father is the person that got me using Sitka gear. My first set of Sitka was bought for me by my father, the original elevated 1 green camo, and my first set of Sitka I bought was the mountain mimicry, long time Sitka customer from the early Sitka days. My friends say I’m a Sitka fanboy cuss all my gear is Sitka, but truth is I like Sitka because it was what my father used and liked and when I hunt now, wearing Sitka is kind of a family hunting tradition. Makes me feel like I’m still practicing the things my father taught me, wearing Sitka is ingrained in me and it’s as much of the hunt as the skills I grew up learning from My father.

[@bent_life9865]

Just. . . Well done. The director should get an award

[@gcnphilly]

Beautiful video. Watching this made me so proud to be part of the Gore [Gore-Tex/Sitka] family. Congratulations Rachel on a great hunt but even more importantly on the connection with your dad.

[@stefaanrotthier]

wauw very NIce!!! Great work again!!! Real emotions that hit me. Congrats Rachel in finding everything you needed on that hunt!

[@SITKAGear]

The ram was icing. The deepened bond with her dad was the trophy. Thanks for watching.

[@kevinbrotz8165]

Great video. As a Guide, As a Dad, As a Son, this video encompasses what it is all about!

[@SITKAGear]

So glad it hit home for you. Thanks for watching.

[@jimzara253]

That was an excellent film. Great work. Inspiring and thought provoking.

[@SITKAGear]

Glad you enjoyed the story Jim.

[@Hammsolo77]

This video gives me hope for my daughter and I’s relationship. Thank you.

[@johnarneth3340]

I always love the work Adam does, but this was spectacular!!! Great job to all.

[@hunt_excelpaulbais2876]

I took this September off from guiding to take my dad on his archery bull hunt. Realistically it will most likely be his last one as he just turned 70 and not sure he will be lucky enough to draw another tag while he can still get around. This one took him 10 years to draw. This video really shows the bond on the mountain. Glad you got to share this with your dad!

[@SITKAGear]

Glad you guys had that time together. Hunting beside each other connects us deeper.

[@TheMountainProject]

Outstanding!

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

I just lost my Dad unexpectedly before we got to go on that big hunt out West like we had planned years earlier. Don’t take your fathers for granted, go on the Hunt. My heart hurts but one day ill realize our dream.

[@SITKAGear]

We are so sorry for your loss and hope you find peace out there in the wild and soon realize your guys' dream. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

[@greganderson9969]

Love this. She got her sheep and healing.

[@305jda]

I sit with tears running down my face. I am in a similar situation and I have had zero communication with my 2 daughters in over 4 years. Before the divorce we used to hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors together. I pray every day they will come around. This video gave me a little bit of hope. Thank you.

[@SITKAGear]

Glad the film resonated and we're so sorry to hear about the distance between you and your daughters. Sometimes it just takes one side making the first move toward vulnerability to start the healing process. We wish you and your family the absolute best. Thanks for watching.

[@crfjohn79]

Nothing replaces the moments between a father and his daughter

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for seeing the bigger picture here.

[@MidwestAmericaOutdoors]

what a great video

[@justinormiston1146]

Foss. Is. Boss. Thanks for sharing the story.

[@kurtlawson6995]

such an awesome film about puittin your relationship back together with your dad yup i shed a few tears when you shot what shear raw emotion thanks for sharin oh yeah and a great ram

[@herdbull]

What an epic story. Watched this with my 13 year old daughter last night. It has been tough going through the teenage transition fir both of us (my first time) and what a testament to the father/daughter bond. No matter how long the distance, never give up on your family. Congrats Rachel and Dad, your story will have a much greater impact than you'll ever know. Thanks Sitka, for holding down a great product (my brand for many years) and sharing such a powerful story. God Bless all the Father's this weekend and every day. ❤

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for appreciating the power of this film and the overarching story. We appreciate the kind words and the continued support.

[@TeamBowHitch-DougyP]

This was such a great video😢 I prayed that God makes your relationship strong and that you both continue to have experiences with each other.

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for watching and for the prayers - Rachel and her dad are doing better than ever.

[@davidleslie7562]

Cinema at is best. Well done guys

[@Nick.Stewart]

Incredible short film. Modern Story telling at its finest 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for seeing the power of an incredible story.

[@Nick.Stewart]

@@SITKAGear and thank you for sharing the story !

[@mauricerobertson1944]

BRILLIANT.

[@active4delta]

Beautiful.

[@joonbu6]

Working outta town away from my kids... This had me wiping eyes that stung real bad. Great job.. 😢❤

[@reckoningmediaco]

Beautiful story but production quality can’t go overlooked. Sound design, color grade, field production…top notch all the way around. Hats off to the Foss team. You’ve raised the bar, fellas 👏🏼 thank you!

[@SITKAGear]

Visual craftsmanship shouldn't be overlooked. Thanks for the kind words. The Foss' really upped the ante here.

[@OngaroOutdoors]

That was an amazing story! So well documented and told. Congrats on your career Rachel!!

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for the kinds words

[@chadolson5537]

The powerful of story telling and great editing in action. As a radio broadcaster, I love the power of a great story and this one is superb! Well done Sitka Gear!

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@patriot6391]

Wow, thanks. What a wonderfully heartfelt story.

[@OutdoorsAllie]

Incredible, as always!

[@SITKAGear]

Stoked you enjoyed it!

[@im2lost]

I swear I'm not crying

[@korygarwasiuk4341]

Congrats Rachel from Ktown. Guiding can be one of the more selfless things we do so its meaningful to see a guide get her shot! Kory

[@MargauxAlvarez]

Love this. Love Rachel too

[@SITKAGear]

We love her too. Thanks for tuning in.

[@user-qn1sv7jw6k]

Let your heart guide the way. Awesome video. Live life outdoors.

[@ItsChoeTime]

Anytime I hear the firing of a gun. I know the exact feeling even though I did not pull the trigger. This one hit hard.

[@nkillen]

Great film! As a dad of a daughter....there's not a more special bond! 👏👏👏👏

[@SITKAGear]

Girl dads know. Thanks for tuning in.

[@jeffreyfoster2804]

Great show! Brings me back to 2020 when my daughter and I hunted the Unlimited sheep in MT.

[@SITKAGear]

Ah the unlimited ram hunt is a special one. Thanks for watching.

[@leadslapdirtnap]

Great video, emotional, and beautiful. As a hunter I pray that I can get my kiddos hooked on hunting, conservation, the outdoors. I look to do wheelchair hunts with my son when he is ready to tackle that adventure.

[@scottr564]

What an awesome film and story!

[@HillebergTentmaker]

Such a great story and a beautiful film. Well done!

[@achap6376]

Hunting in the mountains is therapy, excellent film.

[@SITKAGear]

Mountain hunts offer a lot of time to ponder while being immersed in the elements. A strong recipe for growth. Thanks for watching.

[@tylerrasmussen1513]

Amazing film!

[@BeauMartonik]

Incredible film!! Nice work to everyone!

[@sheldonmoseley]

And there I am crying at a hunting video. Well done Sitka.

[@SITKAGear]

Mission accomplished. Thanks for watching.

[@TimConnor13]

Great story & film work everybody included ✊🤘🙏

[@SITKAGear]

Glad you liked it!

[@bobwilliams3634]

What a true emotion filled film. 😢

[@SITKAGear]

The rigors of mountain hunts have a way of bringing our true selves to the surface. Glad it resonated.

[@FromFieldtoTable]

This is beautiful!

[@SITKAGear]

Thank you!

[@joshcc1974]

Awesome.

[@ilenehailey1079]

An amazing video, an incredible story… thank you.

[@ekobotab3446]

My god what a beautiful film. True hunt, true feelings, just awesome❤

[@SITKAGear]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the film. Rachel and Brian's vulnerability is commendable.

[@markoneill9064]

Just beautiful!

[@mtntomtn]

Incredible production and truly a phenomenal hunt!

[@kevinhartless886]

My allergies are horrible right now! Awesome film

[@SITKAGear]

We got hit with the same allergy struggles Kevin.

[@IBHurls]

Beautiful film.

[@SITKAGear]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@scott6252]

Nice ram congratulations, I'm sure you and your dad are going to have some more great adventures.

[@dantemolonlabe1090]

Great video!

[@SITKAGear]

We appreciate it Dante.

[@jpstanton3223]

Beautiful… so very well done. Thank you both for sharing your real life with others who do not know you. It means a lot and is an inspiration for the future. I have a 15 year old daughter, and.. its complicated. There is always love but it’s complicated.

[@SITKAGear]

Glad you found inspiration you might of needed here. Thanks for the kind words JP.

[@HikeHuntHaul]

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there that share the adventure of life with their own kids. What a blessing to share that sheep hunt with her Father. Awesome Video!

[@richardkramer1094]

Great video! Back in the day in the early 1970’s I wanted to be a hunting guide but my high school counselor said I couldn’t make it on being a hunting guide alone. Boy was he wrong. I have a daughter who now has been estranged for about 24 years, I doubt I will ever see her again, she lives in a Europe. Don’t hear from her and she won’t answer my calls and texts. She will do as she sees fit, she is an adult and can make her own decisions and collect the rewards and consequences of those decisions. As for me, I will continue to hunt though as I age the mountain hunting gets harder and harder. Perhaps someday a reunion will happen, until then I can do nothing…but hunt.

[@305jda]

I am in a similar situation and struggle with it mightily every day. I pray every day for a chance at a reunion and I will pray for you and your daughter as well.

[@richardkramer1094]

@@305jda It is what it is. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink. As an adult her decisions are her own and she will reap the rewards and suffer the consequences herself. I, for one, will lose no sleep over it, not my monkeys, not my circus. There is no other way to think about it if one applies logic and reason.

[@rubenvasquez021]

This is awesome got teary eyed loved every min 🙏🏽🙌🏽🤙🏽

[@SITKAGear]

Stoked to hear you enjoyed the film!

[@daviddeaustin9315]

Awesome job everyone!