Huntin with Jacob

Huntin With Jacob started with a simple belief: the outdoors can heal. Founded by Justin Howes after witnessing the devastating impact of suicide on his community—and his own family—the organization channels the restorative power of nature into real support for families in crisis.

"Showing them there is a tomorrow, and if you hold out to see it, I promise you the sun will shine again." — Justin Howes, Founder/CEO

Unlike traditional mental health programs that focus on warning signs, Huntin With Jacob takes a different approach. They invite people to the very place where healing happens: the outdoors. Through guided hunting and fishing experiences across Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Kansas, and Colorado, the foundation offers families a chance to reconnect, find peace, and rediscover hope.

Members and participants get access to hunting and fishing trips led by experienced outdoorsmen. Whether you're after waterfowl, wild turkey, white-tail deer, or saltwater species like marlin and tuna, the foundation connects you with knowledgeable guides who teach proper technique, sportsmanship, and the deeper meaning of time in the field.

Beyond the outdoors, Huntin With Jacob invests in futures. They provide scholarships to trade schools for qualified individuals, helping them develop skills that lead to stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term purpose.

• •Youth Day - Introduction to hunting and fishing for young people
• •Sportsman's Bash - Major annual gathering for the hunting and fishing community
• •Membership Programs - Join a network of like-minded outdoors people committed to healing and sportsmanship

The board includes firefighters, paramedics, professional fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts from across Calvert County and the Maryland region. Tommy Howes, Jacob's father and a retired 30-year firefighter, serves as Member at Large and remains active as a volunteer. He's also a professional fishing captain who has worked charters in the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and internationally since 1987.

Courtney Grady (President) brings event management expertise. Kat Lockwood (Vice President) has extensive international fishing experience. Schrader Grady (Treasurer) is a paramedic. Susie Dunn (Secretary) is an EMS Captain with D.C. Fire and EMS. The board also includes Kevin Dunn (a Prince George's County firefighter who harvested his first elk in the Rocky Mountains), Brent Lockwood (who's hunted since age 8 and spent years on the Chesapeake Bay), and Eddie Catterton (a longtime family friend and gun maintenance specialist).

Based in Maryland with board members throughout Calvert County, Southern Maryland, and beyond, Huntin With Jacob organizes trips across multiple states. The organization draws on deep local roots—many board members grew up hunting family farms in areas like Dunkirk, La Plata, Prince Frederick, and Owings, MD.

The foundation was inspired by Jacob Howes, who found profound comfort and strength in hunting and fishing during difficult times. His story—and his legacy—drives everything they do. The board's repeated emphasis on "doing things the right way for the right reasons" reflects a commitment to teaching not just hunting techniques, but values: attention to detail, respect for wildlife, sportsmanship, and the understanding that time in nature can save lives.

You can support the mission by: - Joining as a Member - Participate in hunts, fishing trips, and community events - Donating - Fund scholarships and outdoor experiences for families in need - Shopping - Browse merchandise and raffles that support the foundation - Attending Events - Connect with the community at Youth Day, Sportsman's Bash, and upcoming outings

The organization maintains active social media presence on Instagram and Facebook, and accepts email signups for updates on upcoming events and scholarship opportunities.