Cross Trail Outfitters connects young men through hunting, fishing and faith
If you’ve traveled through Norfork, Mountain Home or other renowned state fishing destinations, you have likely seen beautiful murals of brown trout brightening buildings. Look closely, and you’ll spot the signature of Arkansas artist and fly fisherman Duane Hada.
Hada knows The Natural State’s waters and woods well. In addition to literally painting the town, running an art studio and teaching others the art of fly fishing, he serves as Arkansas state director for Cross Trail Outfitters (CTO), a hunting and fishing organization that helps young men discover the skills, traditions and friendships found in the woods and on the water.
For Hada, the work has personal meaning. His wife once spoke of students in need of positive male role models, and her concerns stayed with him. Recognizing that hunting and fishing traditions are often passed down through family, Hada saw an opportunity to share more than hunting and fishing knowledge. He could offer mentorship, encouragement and meaningful experiences to young people who might otherwise never have those opportunities.
“I think it’s just natural for boys to want to be outdoors,” Hada says. “We’ve got this huge environment here in the Ozarks and everywhere, really, so I think there’s a natural calling in a young man or a boy to be outside. We’ve lost that a little bit.”
Through CTO, young men can experience Arkansas’ outdoors firsthand. With year-round hunting and fishing excursions led by experienced guides, CTO helps participants develop new skills and confidence. Summer camps expand the experience with swimming, archery, canoeing and shooting instruction.
The organization also emphasizes faith, character and service, seeking to “guide the next generation to Christ through the outdoors.” Local chapters gather for Sportsmen’s Nights, Bible studies and family events, while community partnerships give young men opportunities to serve others.
Hada believes time outdoors offers something increasingly rare: an opportunity to unplug and appreciate the world around us. “We get a time when we are disconnected from the internet,” he says, “and we can look at the stars and recognize that there is a God and He created all of this.”
CTO primarily serves males ages 7 to 20, while families and girls are invited to participate in select activities. To learn more about how you can get involved or find a local chapter, visit teamcto.org. To watch CTO in action, visit “Arkansas’ Great Outdoors,” Episode 1 (youtube.com/@ArkansasGreatOutdoors).
Carlton and Leigh Wing host the “Arkansas’ Great Outdoors” weekly television series. Visit facebook.com/arkansasgreatoutdoors.