Meet the Hunters Behind Hansen Auction Group: How Our Experts Know the Market

Meet the Hunters Behind Hansen Auction Group: How Our Experts Know the Market

At Hansen Auction Group, our team doesn’t just sell sporting goods items, we live and breathe the hunting lifestyle. From early mornings in the woods, to family traditions passed down through generations, our passion for hunting fuels our understanding of the market and the people we serve.

As we prepare for our last 2025 Multiple Location Hunter’s Sporting Goods Auction, closing December 1st, we wanted to introduce you to some of the hunters behind the scenes who bring their firsthand experience, dedication, and respect for the sport into each sporting goods auction we represent.

Mariah: A Family Tradition Worth Every Moment

After a long day in the woods with her sister (nine hours, three blinds, and few signs of movement), Mariah’s determination finally paid off when a buck stepped into the field at dusk. He didn't beat the rack of her prior buck harvest, but Mariah and her sister were determined to field dress a deer on their OWN. She took the shot and they came back to track the deer after dark. After losing the blood trail in the marsh, doubt began to set in. Just as she started to lose hope, her dad and grandpa arrived, helping them find the deer just a few yards away.

“Dad coached me through the process, knife in hand, doing what I had been determined to do on my own. The coyotes howling nearby reminded me how glad I was that he showed up, it wouldn’t have been the same experience without him.”

What followed next was a moment she’ll never forget. The family gathered around with excitement wanting to hear the hunting story. From congratulatory texts from aunts and uncles, to her grandparents, smiling proudly beside the Kubota, “that picture embedded in my memory of my grandparents beaming at 86 and 87 years old made every hour, every moment, 110% worth it.”

Mariah’s favorite part of being involved in the sporting goods auctions is witnessing the same excitement she’s seen in her own home, that unmistakable moment when passion meets pursuit. “I love knowing our buyers feel the same thrill I’ve watched in my husband when he spots something he needs, setting his max bid and watching every second of the auction unfold so he doesn’t lose the bid. In his mind, it is already his the moment he lays eyes on it.”

Lake: A Passion That Started at Four Years Old

For Lake, hunting has been a lifelong pursuit. Family photos show him squirrel hunting at age four, and his passion only grew stronger after harvesting his first deer at age nine with his grandfather.

“I can still see it all in technicolor, the brush pile ground blind, the old 20-gauge slug that lay in my lap, and the sound of leaves crunching beneath the young buck’s feet as he made his final approach, and finally, walking up to my very first buck. That morning changed my life forever in the best way possible. I’ve never had to search for a passion, since that day, it’s been hunting”

Lake brings that same passion to every sporting goods auction. “Every piece has a story to tell and one that has not yet been told. When we sell sporting equipment at auction, we’re opening the next chapter for that piece, one that could be as special as the morning I experienced 21 years ago”

Matt: Building Friendships Through the Hunt

Matt began hunting at 12 years old and has spent his life in the woods. His most memorable hunt came in 2012, when he harvested a 356-pound P&Y black bear with a bow, a moment of pride and accomplishment he experienced with his dad.

For Matt, the best part of working with our sporting goods auctions is the people. “I enjoy the conversations with sporting good enthusiasts, collectors, and first-time buyers. Usually, by the end of a conversation, a new friendship has been made and we’ve both learned something new.”

Taylor: Hunting Is About Family and Connection

Taylor began hunting with his dad at a young age and was finally old enough to carry his own sporting goods equipment at age 12. While every season holds its own memories, what stands out most for Taylor is the shared time with loved ones.

“It’s not always about the hunt itself,  it’s about the time with family and friends during that season.”

He brings that same sense of connection to every auction. “I love helping people find sporting equipment for themselves or their kids, pieces that will help them create memories just like the ones I’ve made.”

Gus: Learning, Exploring, and Sharing the Tradition

Gus started hunting around age 10 or 11, tagging along with his dad and grandpa before beginning his own hunting journeys. His favorite memory is a North Dakota waterfowl trip with his dad and brother. “Seeing the large number of birds in the area was impressive.”

At Hansen Auction Group, Gus channels that curiosity into his work. “I love seeing older sporting equipment come in and researching their design and history. Every sale is a chance to learn something new.”

Samantha: A Late Start, A Lasting Passion

Samantha discovered her passion for hunting in her mid-twenties, embracing both the challenge and the thrill that comes with every moment in the woods. In 2017, while seven months pregnant, she harvested her first archery buck. Four years later, in 2021, she reached another unforgettable milestone harvesting her first non-archery buck, a 11-pointer, alongside her husband.

“Both firsts are moments I will never forget. There is nothing quite like the adrenaline, the rush, and the emotion you feel after seeing your harvest on the ground and holding those antlers in your hand.”

Samantha sees every sporting goods auction as a chance to honor hunters' stories. “Each piece of sporting equipment represents memories, traditions, and legacies. Our team takes great care in every detail, from the catalog to the photos, because we know how meaningful these pieces are to those who own and collect them.”

Chris: Passing Down the Tradition

Chris began learning the woods and shooting at age six with his dad, and officially started hunting at 12. Decades later, his proudest moments are now watching his own son’s milestones.

“Seeing my son harvest his first whitetail at 10 and his first buck at 11 brought everything full circle as a hunter and a dad, it’s what hunting is all about.”

At Hansen Auction Group, Chris loves the variety that comes through each auction. “Hearing the stories behind the sporting equipment and seeing them move on to new owners is always exciting. You never know what’s going to come through the door.”

Where Every Piece Tells a Story

When you work with Hansen Auction Group, you’re not just working with auction professionals, you’re working with hunters, collectors, and storytellers who understand the heart behind every item. Whether it’s a family heirloom, or a lifelong collection, we treat each auction with the same respect and care we give to our own hunting traditions.

Join us in viewing our upcoming Hunter’s Sporting Equipment Auction, going live Monday, November 3rd where the legacy of the hunt continues. One bid, one story, one tradition at a time. Best of luck to everyone this hunting season!