Local Brothers Gain Unforgettable Experience in Oklahoma Hunting Internship

Lexington - Two local brothers from Lexington, James and William Alterson, spent much of 2024 in Oklahoma, living out what many young outdoorsmen would consider a dream opportunity—interning with the renowned hunting show BuckVentures. Founded by Jeff Danker, co-creator of Major League Bowhunter with MLB Hall of Famer Chipper Jones, BuckVentures has been a staple on the Sportsman Channel for two decades.

The Alterson family first connected with BuckVentures after expressing interest in the production side of outdoor television, leading to an invitation to join the BuckVentures Pro Staff. Through that involvement, Jeff Danker got to know the family well, and it was Tom Alterson’s incredible Montana mule deer hunt that truly cemented the relationship. That hunt resulted in a nationally televised episode showcasing the Alterson family’s passion for the outdoors, their strong faith, and their dedication to hard work.

After developing a close relationship with James and William, Danker saw something special in the boys—their work ethic, skill, and deep-rooted values—and extended a personal invitation for them to join BuckVentures as interns in January 2024. The brothers jumped at the chance, spending much of the year in Chandler, Oklahoma, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the outdoor industry.

The internship was no ordinary job. The boys spent months immersed in the details of land stewardship, learning how to manage hunting properties for wildlife conservation. They worked directly with the team on habitat improvement projects, setting up and maintaining trail cameras, studying deer movement patterns, and even assisting with food plot development to improve the land for future hunts.

In addition to the fieldwork, James and William also gained invaluable experience behind the camera. They assisted in filming hunts, editing content, and producing high-quality footage for the show’s television and social media platforms. Their dedication and skill quickly became apparent, with their work set to make its way into episodes of BuckVentures airing later this season.

Beyond the technical skills, the internship provided them with something even more important—mentorship and spiritual growth. The BuckVentures team is known for its deep-rooted Christian values, and the brothers were able to witness firsthand what it means to combine faith with a passion for the outdoors.

“The opportunity to be part of something bigger, to learn from experienced videographers, editors, hunters and storytellers while staying true to our faith, was incredible,” said James. “It wasn’t just about hunting—it was about honoring God in everything we do.”

For William, a relatively new competitive archer who recently placed 1st in New York State’s S3DA Championship and 2nd nationally, the internship provided an opportunity to refine his skills in a real-world hunting environment. During the summer, he put those skills to the test, competing in the Oklahoma men’s ASA State Championship—where he took first place! His father, Tom, flew out to watch, unsure of what to expect as his 15-year-old son went up against dozens of seasoned men who had been shooting competitively for years.

“I just wanted him to hold his own and gain some experience,” Tom said. “These guys have been at it a long time, and Will was stepping into their world. I wasn’t sure how he’d stack up, but I knew he’d work hard. Watching him come out on top—it was just a proud moment. Not because he won, but because of how he handled himself under pressure.”

The brothers’ time in Oklahoma wasn’t without sacrifice. While they were away, their younger sister, Grace, took on the heavy burden of caring for all the animals on the homestead. Their deep appreciation for her efforts led to one of the most heartwarming moments of the year—when William entered a raffle at the Oklahoma Deer Hunting Conference & Expo, hoping to win a Hoyt bow for her. Against all odds, he won, bringing home a special gift to thank his sister for her hard work.

Their time with BuckVentures gave them experience, confidence, and a strong foundation for the future. While their journey with the show has evolved, the lessons they learned and the memories they made will stay with them for a lifetime.

As 2025 begins, James and William have taken what they learned and are forging a unique path in the outdoor industry. They are currently lining up a number of hunts to film this year—from Canada to Colorado, Florida to Arizona—capturing the adventure and challenge of the hunt while telling compelling stories through film.

From the mountains of New York to the plains of Oklahoma, these two brothers proved that hard work, faith, and a love for the outdoors can open doors to incredible opportunities. Their story is far from over—it’s just beginning.

For those interested in having their hunts filmed, James and William can be reached at info@beyondthechase.com.