Our Story

In January 2024, our family and the entire NLS community lost two incredible boys — William “Will” Dahl, 15, a freshman at NLS High School, and his younger brother Harrison “Harry” Dahl, 11, a sixth grader at NLS Middle School — to injuries sustained in a UTV accident.

Will was steady, strong, and determined. He loved the outdoors and carried himself with a confidence beyond his years. Whether he was in the field hunting, on the water fishing, or standing on the trap line, he gave his full focus and effort. He was the kind of young man others naturally followed — dependable, competitive, and deeply loyal to his family and friends.

Harry brought energy and light wherever he went. He had a contagious smile, a fearless spirit, and a heart that was always ready for the next adventure. He looked up to his big brothers and worked hard to keep up with them — and often did. He was counting down the days until he could officially join the middle school trap team in 7th grade, eager to stand alongside Will and Gage in the sport they loved.

Together with their brothers, Gage and Drew, the Dahl boys lived for time spent outdoors. Will loved the focus of the line — the discipline, the rhythm, the quiet confidence that came with calling for a clay and breaking it clean. Harry loved the energy of it all — the sound of the shots, the encouragement, and the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with his big brothers. Gage and Will competed in the school league, and all four traveled across central Minnesota participating in Minnesota Youth Shotgun Association events. The trap range was more than a sport to them; it was time together, friendly competition, laughter between rounds, and building confidence shot by shot.

After Will and Harry’s passing, the compassion, prayers, and overwhelming support from the NLS and surrounding communities carried our family. In the midst of heartbreak, Mike and Lara felt called to give back — to create something lasting in honor of the boys who loved this sport and this community so much.

The vision began with a simple goal: establish a trap range in our hometown so middle and high school students could shoot together in one place. Currently, middle school students travel to Belgrade and high school students to Paynesville. While we are incredibly grateful for those opportunities, Will and Harry believed in togetherness — and we wanted a space where teammates could build that same brotherhood right here at home.

A single Facebook post sharing the vision spread quickly and reached a generous couple from New London. Through their incredible gift of land, that vision found its home. What began as an idea has grown into something much bigger.

Through many conversations and countless prayers, the dream expanded into the Wild Haven Sportsman’s Club — a place rooted in boots, brawn, and brotherhood. A place where young people can build confidence, friendships, and sportsmanship just like Will and Harry did.

The Wild Haven Sportsman’s Complex will include a clubhouse, a 20-yard indoor archery range, four trap fields with room to grow, a pistol range, and a 400-yard rifle range. It will be open to youth and adults alike — anyone who shares a love for the outdoors and shooting sports.

Most importantly, it will stand as a living legacy of two brothers who loved fiercely, competed passionately, and cherished every moment spent side by side. Wild Haven is not just a range — it is Will and Harry’s spirit carried forward, creating opportunity, unity, and purpose for generations to come.