I’ve been into hunting and fishing for as long as I can remember, it’s a special place to me. Through life’s trials and tribulations, I’ve always sought the beauty and adventure of the outdoors as my vent, gateway, or timeout from the real world.
I was in the army for 3 years as a medic and a volunteer firefighter in Calvert County, Maryland since I was 16. I’ve dedicated my life to serving my local community as well as the citizens of the United States.
I’ve hunted and chased game in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Kansas and Colorado. My favorite wild game to chase are ducks and geese, as they truly are nothing short of magic. The time spent in the blind is second to only the firehouse table in influencing my daily life. Spending days afield being critiqued and instructed on the proper way to do things by my grandfather makes me into a better hunter and sportsman. My second favorite game to chase is the infamous brainiac of the woods, the wild turkey. They can see better and hear better than any human could imagine and they can see color; you are truly outmatched. It’s like playing a game of chess, every time you step in the woods, the cat and mouse chase starts. When they get close the real fun begins, with the gobbling that shakes your bone to the core.
My childhood was very different from some, and others will see it as relatable. My parents divorced when I was young. I have 2 brothers, Jacob and Chris Howes. We were inseparable growing up and bonded in ways most couldn’t replicate. Jacob and I spent almost every moment of our life that we could outside. Spending 6 months of the year hunting, the other 6 months planning on hunting, and taking a few days here and there to chase fish all over the place. The outdoors is where I found the ability to heal and be myself.
I thought of starting this foundation after being in the military and seeing the high suicide rates, then having it hit way too close to home. It got me thinking about the many programs around the country, talking about the signs that you should look for and ways to help someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies. Unfortunately, I’ve seen so many instances where they showed no signs. So when I started this adventure, I wanted to make it a goal of mine to discover and attack this issue through a new way that most have not tried or even thought about. Using the outdoors and inviting people to the place where I go to find myself and to heal, offering them the opportunity to do the same. Showing them there is a tomorrow, and if you hold out to see it, I promise you the sun will shine again.
My career spanned 30 years and focused on community service. I have since retired from service as a Firefighter/ Paramedic. As both a career and volunteer I held many positions within the departments I served, my most cherished was those that provided me the opportunity to be in an instructors role.
I am related to Jacob through the blessing of marriage between his father and my wife’s sister. Jacob is and will always be my nephew.
I was guided into the outdoors by my father. However, I had many influences over the years including my uncles, grandfather, and Father-in-law. I have tried to be that guide to both my son and daughter, mostly out of a want for more time with them before they were off on their own. I have special memories with them that will never fade. I look forward to the time that I can sit alongside my grandchildren doing the same.
My favorite quarry when I was young was the White-tailed deer because it was so challenging. Now I prefer to chase Waterfowl, not because its less challenging, it certainly isn’t, but because of the closeness of your hunting partners in the blind. It allows for a shared memory and forms many storylines to be retold through the years.
Most of my interests are outdoors activities. I enjoy a good youth football game, I walk down the lane in the local park with my darling wife, foraging for wild mushrooms with the family, or exploring new areas in our community.
Where are you from?
Prince Frederick, MD
Career: Sales Associate and Event Manager at Fantasy World Entertainment
Relation to Jacob?
Family friend and Coworker
Who Guided you into the outdoors?
My dad, Schrader Grady
Favorite hunt or fish game you’ve chased: My favorite would be waterfowl hunting, and I enjoy going offshore fishing to catch Marlin, Tuna, Mahi, and Wahoo.
Small things about yourself: I have a black lab named Maverick, who is trained to retrieve ducks! He goes everywhere with me!
Where are you from?
I am from La Plata, Maryland
Career: Paramedic
Relation to Jacob?
Stepmom
Who Guided you into the outdoors?
My Dad
Favorite hunt or fish game you’ve chased: I enjoy fishing
Small things about yourself: I am a Girl Scout Leader for two troops.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Prince George’s County, but I’m now a proud resident of Calvert County.
Career: I’m an EMS Captain with the D.C. Fire and EMS Department.
Relation to Jacob?
I’m a close family friend of Jacob’s.
Who guided you into the outdoors?
I wasn’t really raised hunting or fishing, but I’ve always been drawn to nature. I love warm, sunny days and the beach – that’s where I find my peace and connection to the outdoors.
Favorite hunt or fish game you’ve chased:
Honestly, I haven’t really gone after game – I prefer enjoying the outdoors in other ways.
Small things about you:
I’m a mom, wife, and friend. Family time is everything to me – whether we’re camping, taking a vacation to a sunny beach, or just hanging out. I truly value the moments spent with the people I care about.
Although Kat doesn’t have much experience with hunting, she has a strong passion for fishing. She has gone on numerous international fishing trips with the Howes family, gaining valuable experience along the way. Through her husband’s avid interest in both hunting and fishing, Kat has also learned a great deal about both.
While Heather Howes is one of Kat’s best friends, Kat has also had the opportunity to watch Jacob grow into an incredibly skilled hunter and fisherman over the years. The amount of knowledge he possessed at such a young age was truly indescribable.
Kat’s background in board governance and reporting is why she accepted the position of Secretary for this Foundation. The vision of this foundation, along with its mission to help families in need so they hopefully never have to experience what the Howes did, is what inspired Kat to join and contribute to its growth.
Where are you from?
I am a lifelong resident of Calvert county Maryland.
Career: I am a Firefighter in Prince George’s county Maryland
Relation to Jacob?
Jacob is a longtime family friend.
Who Guided you into the outdoors?
My best friend growing up Toby Sealey got me interested in the outdoors. My brother in law Drew Stafford invited me to Paddy’s run hunt camp where I harvested my first white tail deer.
Favorite hunt or fish game you’ve chased: My favorite hunt was when I went to the rocky mountains and harvested a Bull Elk.
Small things about yourself: I enjoy going camping with family and friends and spending time outdoors.
Brent’s passion for hunting and fishing began at a young age. When he was 8, his dad would take him to their hunting cabin on 32 acres of land in Artemas, PA, where they would hunt together. Brent’s dad also owned a charter boat called Foolish Pleasure, which he kept at Abner’s in Chesapeake Beach. From an early age, Brent spent time on the Chesapeake Bay with his dad, fostering his love for both fishing and fishing boats.
For the past nine years, Brent has been close friends with the Howes family, watching Jacob grow into an incredibly skilled hunter and fisherman during that time. Brent’s deep connection to hunting, fishing, and his close bond with the Howes family is why he serves on this Board, dedicated to growing the Foundation in Jacob’s memory, hoping to make him proud as he looks down.
Hello, I’m Tommy Howes, Jacob’s Dad. I grew up on and still reside on the family farm, on the banks of the Patuxent River, in Dunkirk, MD.
I recently retired from a 30 year career as a firefighter and remain active as a volunteer in Calvert County. I am a professional fisherman, working and fishing the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and around the world as a Captain and Mate. I worked my first charter in 1987 in Chesapeake Beach, MD with Captain Tom Rials. I grew up hunting and fishing with my family on the farm, with a strong emphasis on details, sportsmanship, and generally doing things the right way for the right reasons.
Jacob grew up hunting and fishing just as I did. He had an amazing attention to detail, mechanical ability, and a zeal for perfection. Jacob became my “right hand” as he matured. He enjoyed figuring things out and working tough projects independently. Huntin’ With Jacob allows me to memorialize him while introducing others to the outdoors, the right way. This world can be a tough place. Let us show you our version of peace in the outdoors. May God bless you all.
“Rise above it”
“Never quit writing your story” “Suicide is a thief”
Eddie Catterton is a close family friend of the Howes family. He was especially fond of Jacob and his incredible skill for working on Eddie’s guns to keep them in top shape.
Eddie grew up spending time between Southern Anne Arundel and northern Calvert. His family farm in Owings provided his introduction to the outdoors. Eddie looked up to his older cousin Sammy who taught him a lot and he credits him with getting him interested in hunting. Eddie likes to fish but only on flat water- otherwise he is a great chummer.
Eddie wanted to get involved with the Huntin’ with Jacob foundation to help keep Jacob’s memory strong. Jacob left an indelible impression on anyone who knew him and through the work of this foundation- his memory will continue to touch others for years to come.
a 501(c)(3) organization
Our mission at Huntin’ With Jacob is to assist families who have encountered difficulties through divorce or other tragedy. Huntin’ With Jacob will facilitate hunting and fishing trips for families to enjoy the healing powers of the great outdoors. Further, Huntin’ With Jacob will provide scholarships to trade schools for qualified individuals.