Four Years Later: Goose Hunter's Jacket, Wallet Returned

by
posted on October 24, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (38)

A story out of Clara City, Minn., proves—according to the goose hunter involved—"there's still good people in the world."

The tale begins in autumn 2009, when Owen Schipnewski took his 12-year-old son goose hunting at the Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area. After the hunt, Schipnewski accidentally put his favorite goose hunting jacket in the back of the truck. Somewhere along the way home, the jacket—which contained Schipnewski's wallet and $1,700 cash—blew out of the truck. Frantically he retraced his steps, but the jacket was gone.

Gone because it had been found by Trent Jorgenson, who discovered it along the road after he too had been waterfowling. Jorgenson gave the jacket a cursory glance, noted it contained a few 10-gauge shotgun shells, and threw it in his vehicle. He never found Schipnewski's wallet, so he figured there was no way to track down the jacket's rightful owner. Given that Jorgenson is only an occasional hunter, he put the jacket in his garage, where it sat unused all these years.

That is, until some friends invited Jorgenson to once again hunt ducks. There was rain in the forecast and, lacking appropriate gear, he remembered the waterproof jacket he found four years prior. However, this time when he inspected the jacket, he found Schipnewski's cell phone, his son's hunter safety certificate, and a wallet containing five $20 bills and several $100 bills.

Jorgenson began calling saved numbers in Schipnewski's cell phone and soon tracked him down. He says he was never tempted to keep the cash because, according to the West Central Tribune, he believes that would've been "bad karma."

An elated Schipnewski drove to Jorgenson's home to pick up the jacket. Despite Jorgenson's protests, Schipnewski left him with enough cash to buy a jacket of his own.

HT: The Outdoor Pressroom

Latest

W H2026 06 Hardware W3814 TAH 2879Lead
W H2026 06 Hardware W3814 TAH 2879Lead

Hardware Review: Hornady 338 ARC

Looking for a cartridge that's easy to suppress, but still hits hard? Check out the 338 ARC, from Hornady. Jeff Johnston gives a thorough review of the cartridge here.

New for 2026: Steelhead Outdoors Stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker

Steelhead Outdoors engineered a stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker similar to storage systems used by law-enforcement agencies.

Clemson University Conservation Program Reaches Endowment Goal

The Boone and Crockett Club recently announced the wildlife conservation program at Clemson University has reached its $5 million endowment goal. Thanks to more than a decade of fundraising and support led by club member Johnny Evans—and other key contributors—the studies at the school focusing on sound, scientific wildlife conservation will continue into the future.

Know How: First Guns for Junior Shooters

Curious what gun to start out a junior shooter on? Bryce Towsley is a man with experience. Read on for some tips on what to get the young hunter in your life.

New for 2026: Kent Cartridge Southern Reserve Dove

Kent Cartridge introduces Southern Reserve Dove, a purpose-built load designed for fast shooting and performance in the dove fields.

#SundayGunday: Springfield Armory SA-35 4"

Springfield's SA-35 4” maintains the “wood and steel” vibes of yesteryear, with a blued finish on the gun’s carbon steel, and checkered walnut grips. Curious about this updated version of a true classic? Check out this exclusive edition of #SundayGunday.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.