Bangor Philips-Strickland House Hosts Annual Deer Hunt with Husson Athletes

Key Points

• A special annual deer hunt event occurred on Thursday at the Philips-Strickland House in Bangor, Maine, organised by staff to entertain residents in a non-traditional hunting setting.
• The event originated a few years ago from an idea by the Activity Director and has become a regular post-holiday tradition.
• This year, student-athletes from Husson University participated, donning safety glasses and antlers to engage in a playful “hunt” with the residents.
• Madison Weigler, a senior at Husson University from New Hampshire, highlighted the event’s value in fostering community connections for out-of-town students.
• Linda Nickerson noted the residents’ joy and the focus on capturing their smiles and laughter during the activity.
• Residents described the deer hunt as one of the most enjoyable days on the activity calendar, even suggesting it replace bingo more frequently.

Bangor, Maine (The Wales Times) January 23,2026 – A unique deer hunt unfolded at the Philips-Strickland House, where staff and Husson University student-athletes created a light-hearted event for residents to enjoy after the holidays.​

What Was the Philips-Strickland House Deer Hunt?

The Philips-Strickland House in Bangor hosted its annual deer hunt on Thursday, transforming the care facility into a playful hunting ground far removed from typical woodland pursuits. As reported by WABI, the event featured staff and volunteers engaging residents in a safe, fun activity designed to bring smiles and laughter. The idea, which began a few years ago under the guidance of the Activity Director, has solidified into a cherished yearly tradition following the holiday season.​

This year’s hunt saw Husson University student-athletes stepping into the spotlight, equipped with safety glasses and faux antlers to “take shots” at targets in a controlled, jovial manner. The event underscores a creative approach to resident engagement at the facility, blending community involvement with recreational therapy.

Who Organised the Event and Why?

The Activity Director at Philips-Strickland House spearheaded the event’s inception a few years back, aiming to provide residents with an engaging outlet to unwind post-holidays. According to WABI coverage, the hunt has evolved into a staple activity that residents eagerly anticipate. Linda Nickerson, a key figure at the house, emphasised the event’s success in her observations.

Linda Nickerson said her residents are overjoyed every year with the hunt, and simply putting a smile on their faces means they’ve done their job.

“I sit back and try to snap pictures and catching them smiling and laughing,”

said Nickerson.

“I just like to catch those candid smiles and the residents just love it.”​

This statement from Nickerson, as reported by WABI, captures the emotional core of the event, prioritising joy and candid moments over structured programming.

How Did Husson University Students Contribute?

Husson University student-athletes played a pivotal role, donning safety gear and antlers to interact directly with residents during the hunt. Their involvement added a youthful energy, turning the activity into a bridge between the university and the local community.

“I think it’s just a good way to connect with the community and I’m from New Hampshire so I’m not from the Bangor area and bunch of other athletes aren’t from here either so seeing where you go to school – it’s a great way to really connect with the area,”

said Madison Weigler, a senior at Husson.​

Madison Weigler’s comment, as quoted in the WABI report, illustrates how the event serves as a vital link for students from outside Bangor, like herself from New Hampshire, to integrate with the local area.

What Do Residents Think of the Deer Hunt?

Speaking with the residents, they expressed high enthusiasm for the deer hunt, ranking it among the top events on their activity calendar. They went as far as to tell Nickerson she should host a deer hunt more often instead of bingo, indicating its superior appeal.​

This feedback, directly from residents as covered by WABI, highlights the event’s resonance, positioning it as a preferred alternative to standard activities like bingo. The hunt’s interactive and novel format evidently outshines routine options, fostering greater excitement.

Why Is This Event a Post-Holiday Tradition?

The timing post-holidays aligns with a need to lift spirits after the festive period, providing a structured yet whimsical distraction. Initiated by the Activity Director a few years prior, the event’s recurrence demonstrates its proven impact on resident morale. Staff observations, such as Nickerson’s photo-snapping ritual, reinforce its role in documenting happiness.​

By recurring annually, the deer hunt builds anticipation and tradition, ensuring residents have a highlight to look forward to each year.

What Makes the Setting Unique?

Unlike conventional deer hunts in forests or fields, this took place indoors at the Philips-Strickland House, a care facility tailored for resident comfort. The controlled environment allowed for safety measures like glasses and antlers, making it accessible and risk-free. WABI described it as “not in your average hunting setting,” emphasising the novelty.​

This adaptation suits the residents’ needs, prioritising fun over physical demands.

How Does the Event Build Community Ties?

The involvement of Husson University athletes exemplifies community collaboration, with students gaining local insight while contributing to resident wellbeing. Weigler’s perspective as an out-of-state senior underscores this mutual benefit.​

Such partnerships enhance Bangor’s social fabric, linking educational institutions with care facilities.

What Role Did Safety Play in the Hunt?

Safety glasses and antlers ensured the event remained playful and hazard-free, critical in a residential care setting. Participants “took a few shots” at presumably soft targets, maintaining the light-hearted tone.​

This emphasis on safety, as detailed in WABI’s account, allows all ages to participate without concern.

Why Prefer Deer Hunt Over Bingo?

Residents’ direct suggestion to Nickerson to host the hunt more frequently than bingo reveals a clear preference for its engaging nature. Bingo, while popular, lacks the interactive spectacle of the hunt.​

This resident voice, reported verbatim by WABI, signals a shift in activity priorities.

Who Is Linda Nickerson and What Is Her Role?

Linda Nickerson oversees aspects of resident activities, focusing on capturing joyful moments through photography. Her annual ritual of snapping candid smiles during the hunt personalises the event’s legacy.

“I just like to catch those candid smiles and the residents just love it,”

she reiterated.​

Nickerson’s role, as portrayed in the WABI piece, centres on emotional documentation.

What Is the Philips-Strickland House?

The Philips-Strickland House serves as a residential care facility in Bangor, Maine, hosting events like this to enrich resident lives. It provides a home-like setting for activities tailored to its community.​

Its selection as the venue underscores its commitment to innovative programming.

How Has the Event Evolved Since Inception?

Starting as an idea a few years ago, the hunt now features university athletes, expanding its scope and appeal. From staff-led to collaborative, it has grown in participation and impact.​

This progression reflects responsive planning by the Activity Director.

What Feedback Came from Husson Students?

Beyond Weigler, the athletes’ enthusiasm mirrors her community-connection sentiment, though specific additional quotes were not detailed in reports. Their repeated involvement signals endorsement.​

Why Is Resident Joy the Measure of Success?

Nickerson’s metric – smiles and laughter – defines triumph, aligning with care facility goals. Her photography preserves these instances annually.​

When Does the Hunt Typically Occur?

Scheduled for Thursday post-holidays, it fits seamlessly into the calendar, as confirmed by WABI’s on-site reporting.​

This year’s execution on Thursday maintained the pattern.