All about Gear for deer
While patrolling their law enforcement district in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Alex Purdy and Ken Williams often compare notes on wildlife incidents and how to make an impact with the hunting and non-hunting public. Inspired by a conversation about the well-recognized Shop with a Cop Program, they began to discuss how they could help make a difference in assisting new hunters ages 12-16 get outfitted for their hunting experience. There is never a bad time to get hunting apparel, but the two of them felt that December is late in the hunting season; missing four prime months of outdoor action! From this discussion, Gear for Deer was borne.
Planning for this exciting program began as early as September 2024. After many iterations of scope and discussions about numerous fundraisers, Purdy and Williams pulled back the reigns and wanted to start small to demonstrate great success. They formulated a plan, developed a structured approach, and sought the support of both the Pennsylvania Game Commission Southwest Region and Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania (COPA). This program immediately caught the attention of both agencies and they are currently in the process of discussing their formal support of Gear for Deer.
Based on the advice from both COPA and the leadership of PGC SWRO, Gear for Deer is being organized as a local sportsmen's association function. The coordinators of Gear for Deer are members of Youngwood Sportsmen's Association located in Youngwood, Westmoreland County. It is, however, the intent of Purdy and Williams to continue to seek the official endorsement of both COPA and the PGC to be able to expand the program in 2026 to reach additional sportsmen's associations in the southwest. Ultimately, they are focused on promoting Gear for Deer across the entire Commonwealth to reach as many new hunters as possible.
Planning for this exciting program began as early as September 2024. After many iterations of scope and discussions about numerous fundraisers, Purdy and Williams pulled back the reigns and wanted to start small to demonstrate great success. They formulated a plan, developed a structured approach, and sought the support of both the Pennsylvania Game Commission Southwest Region and Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania (COPA). This program immediately caught the attention of both agencies and they are currently in the process of discussing their formal support of Gear for Deer.
Based on the advice from both COPA and the leadership of PGC SWRO, Gear for Deer is being organized as a local sportsmen's association function. The coordinators of Gear for Deer are members of Youngwood Sportsmen's Association located in Youngwood, Westmoreland County. It is, however, the intent of Purdy and Williams to continue to seek the official endorsement of both COPA and the PGC to be able to expand the program in 2026 to reach additional sportsmen's associations in the southwest. Ultimately, they are focused on promoting Gear for Deer across the entire Commonwealth to reach as many new hunters as possible.
Gear for Deer would like to thank the following sponsors in helping to make this dream come true, not only for Purdy and Williams, but more importantly for the young hunters who will be going afield.
Dunhams Sporting Goods Latrobe, Youngwood Sportsmen's Association, TNT Shooting Range, Billy's Country Smokehouse, Falls Harvest Taxidermy, Bardine's Country Smokehouse, Defender's Armory, Collins Manufacturing LLC, Lines and Tines LLC
Dunhams Sporting Goods Latrobe, Youngwood Sportsmen's Association, TNT Shooting Range, Billy's Country Smokehouse, Falls Harvest Taxidermy, Bardine's Country Smokehouse, Defender's Armory, Collins Manufacturing LLC, Lines and Tines LLC
Donate to Gear for Deer
You can make a charitable donation to the Gear for Deer program by sending a check to Youngwood Sportsmen's Association and writing "Gear for Deer" in the memo line.
Youngwood Sportsmen's Association
196 Sportsmen Road
Youngwood, PA 15697
Our 2026 Campaign is officially underway! Stay tuned for events and where to find us! Fundraisers will be announced on this website and via Facebook. No donation is too small!
Youngwood Sportsmen's Association
196 Sportsmen Road
Youngwood, PA 15697
Our 2026 Campaign is officially underway! Stay tuned for events and where to find us! Fundraisers will be announced on this website and via Facebook. No donation is too small!