The Outdoor Section of the Greene Scene Magazine, is extremely excited to announce our third in a series of articles that spotlight an accomplished “outdoorsman.” This limited series of articles celebrates the stories, skills, and traditions of successful hunters from around Greene County.
These special articles explore the experiences of individuals who have mastered their craft through patience, knowledge, and respect for nature. Each feature highlights not only remarkable achievements in the field, but also the dedication, preparation, and ethical practices that define responsible hunting.
These in-depth profiles share vivid storytelling and practical insights drawn from real-life pursuits. From tracking elusive game in rugged wilderness to understanding animal behavior, the series presents a well-rounded perspective on local hunting legends. By focusing on personal journeys and lessons learned, these articles hopefully inspire appreciation for the outdoors and the skills required to thrive within it. Top of Form ecounting these diverse stories allows us to engage deeply with one person’s lifelong outdoor journey.
This quarter’s outdoor icon(s) highlights the achievements of a couple, Pat and Jera Meighen. They are more than a couple, they are partners in adventure, drawn to the wild places that very few people have dared to explore. From the frozen forests of Alaska to the golden savannas of Africa, they have traveled the world hunting side by side. Hunting is only part of their journey; the real reward is experiencing nature together. Through long treks, unexpected storms, and quiet nights beneath unfamiliar stars, their outdoor bond continues to grow stronger. Wherever the trail leads, they will face it together, sharing the thrill of discovery and the unforgettable memories that come with every expedition.
With the faithful companionship of two dogs and a cat, they have traveled to every state in the country except for Hawaii. They have hunted in Pennsylvania, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Maine, Florida, and Africa. They have an impressive trophy room as a result of many successful hunts, and they currently manage their 200+ acres outside of Waynesburg for big whitetail deer.
The walls of the trophy room are adorned with Mule deer, Whitetail deer, Elk, Bear, Impalas, Greater Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest, Mountain Reedbuck, Bushbuck, Nyala, Warthog, Springbuck, Blesbuck, and Fallow deer. Their hunting success is impressive to say the least.
The African hunt is obviously high on their list of special moments for the couple as they were able to collectively harvest eleven different species of animals. The trip (a 13.5-hour flight), the guides, the unique cultures, the native trackers, the food (meat from the previous hunters), the abundance of wildlife, and vast landscapes, makes for a most unforgettable experience.
There was a daily flat rate for this particular outfitter and the guide, and each animal carried a different price tag…you can harvest whatever you want. Having several different animals, each with its own price tag, allows hunters to easily understand the value of each. Individual pricing can depend on the animal’s type, age, size, breed, and condition. This system gives hunters more choices while helping the outfitter fairly represent the unique value of every animal.
Jera Meighen and a Black Wildebeest
Successful hunts require patience, careful tracking, good marksmanship, and respect for the animals and their environment. Experienced professional hunters help guide stalks and ensure that local regulations and ethical hunting practices are followed. For many, a plains-game safari combines adventure, outdoor skills, and an appreciation for Africa’s remarkable natural heritage.
Idaho, however, is what they spoke of when I asked them about their most memorable hunts. One thing that impressed me during our conversation was their willingness to do return trips in order to find the trophy they were after. The true reward of the hunt for them is not always what they bring home, but the memories they create along the way. In the end, they were finally rewarded for their patience with a beautiful Sawtooth Mountain mule deer buck.
To the Meighen’s, time spent in the outdoors with good friends is an opportunity to laugh, share stories, learn from one another, and appreciate the experience together. The hunt itself is only one part of the adventure. What matters most is the camaraderie, the early mornings, the long conversations, the unexpected moments, and the shared challenges. Years from now, it will not be the outcome of the hunts that they remember most, but the people beside them and the experiences that brought them closer together.
Looking ahead, I hope they can continue hunting together as a couple, sharing the experiences, challenges, and excitement that come with every season. Hunting gives them an opportunity to spend meaningful time outdoors, work as a team, and create memories that they can carry with them for years to come.
Pat Meighen and a Greater Kudu
Jera and Pat and a Blue Wildebeest
