'The love of archery': Sask. bow hunter wins provincial award following cancer diagnosis
A bow hunter from Yorkton battling a cancer diagnosis was recently awarded a provincial title from the Saskatchewan Bow Hunters Association.
For Hunter Frankfurt, bow hunting has been ever-present in her life.
“I have been shooting my bow since I've been four years old … I've grown up in this organization,” she told CTV News.
Frankfurt expected an exciting hunting season, especially with her luck of pulling a drum moose tag.
However, a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in August of 2022 threatened to upend the 24-year-old’s plans.
“We weren't sure if I was going to be able to go out moose hunting because I was awaiting something that's called a whipple surgery,” she explained.
“We weren't sure what my surgery date was going to be. But luckily I was able to go moose hunting and I was successful.”
According to Hunter’s father, Shawn, her love for the outdoors as well as her unwavering positivity was never broken.
“She said ‘Dad, there's nothing to worry about. We're gonna get through this,’ and her mindset was positive from day one,” he said.
“She told me the best way is to go back to what we normally do and let's just enjoy the outdoors and make it the best year possible.”
For the Frankfurts, bow hunting has been a form of family bonding.
“It means the world to me, like she's been with me ever since I could throw her in the backpack with me and take her in the woods,” Shawn explained.
“She took on the love of archery.”
Steven Pollock, president of the Saskatchewan Bow Hunters Association (SBA), told CTV News that Hunter’s dedication to the community and passion for archery is well known.
“The energy that she brings to our club, and just the dedication. She's very supportive of our organization,” he said.
“When we heard that she was sick, it really affected all of us. She's been family to us. We sent her some stuff in the hospital when she had her surgery. We're just extremely happy that it sounds like things are going well.”
Hunter said the support from her “second family” at the SBA has been immense. Additionally, with her Lady Bow Hunter of Saskatchewan award, a major milestone has been reached.
“It's definitely something that has been a goal of mine and this year I've had kind of a run of bad luck. But my hunting luck has sure switched that,” she laughed.
For Hunter, her passion has helped her through some of the toughest moments of her life.
“It's really important to do what you love and have that passion with you throughout it all,” she said.
“That's what bow hunting has done for me. I was able to continue that and do what I love.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.