By Matt Browning
Carter Melton’s passion for the outdoors started long before he could fully participate in it.
“My dad would take me with his friends to the river to hunt ducks,” Melton said. “My cousin and I would explore around and build forts. When I was old enough to bring a gun, I would usually sit still a little better.”
Those early mornings in duck blinds helped shape a love for hunting and fishing that continues to play a major role in his life today. Even now, Melton finds ways to stay connected to the outdoors despite a busy schedule filled with sports.
“I usually spend quite a bit of time in the outdoors hunting and fishing,” he said. “A few buddies and I have started to go fishing after baseball practice. Being involved in sports makes it tough to find the time with them being such a commitment.”
Still, Melton makes the most of every opportunity he gets. Whether it’s time with friends or competing, he values every moment.
“I love going and shooting for the trap team every Sunday,” he said. “It gives me an opportunity to get better with my shotgun and as well as compete, which I love.”
While much of his time outdoors is spent with others, Melton also appreciates the quiet side of hunting.
“I usually hunt with a group, but when I sit in the tree stand for deer I am usually by myself,” he said. “Being with a group creates great memories and is very enjoyable, but something about going out by yourself and enjoying being out feels amazing.”
Over the years, Melton has built a collection of memories that continue to fuel his passion. One of those dates back to his time living in Belleville before moving to McPherson.
“My friend Aden Morris and I would ride our four-wheelers all over and fish as many ponds as we could get permission on almost every day of summer,” Melton said. “We would sometimes get up well before sunrise and go just because we thought they ‘bit harder’ earlier.”
Those long summer days often ended with a familiar stop.
“Our favorite spot to eat those days was definitely Dairy Queen, and we had a special route to get there so we would not get in trouble,” he said.
