Heroes’ Hunt for Veterans,
The George Thompson American Legion Post 395 of Kingston was pleased to have Heroes’ Hunt for Veterans, Sec. Dave Vogel attend their March meeting. Dave gave a very informative presentation outlining the services offered by HHV for military Veterans. HHV is a 100% volunteer 501(C3) Non-Profit organization. Supported and dependent on its many dedicated valued sponsors, whether public or private, businesses, service organizations or all individuals who believe in HHV goals to help provide Veterans with a quality guided hunt for deer, turkey and waterfowl.
The hunts take place from the beginning of bow season thru gun deer season. Offering muzzleloader, plus some late season bow. All hunts are usually offered from Friday thru Sunday, however our membership will try to accommodate the Veterans needs as much as possible.
All hunts are no cost to the Vets The Veteran is only pays the travel costs to (Waupun) from there the organization assumes the travel costs to and from the various hunting sites in located in (4) area counties.
Our reputation of providing a quality hunt have extended beyond our Wisconsin borders. Several out of state veterans have also participated in our program.
Donations to HHV go to purchase supplies needed for building permanent Handi-cap accessible blinds, trailers, decoys, shells, food, etc. any and all gear deemed necessary for a safe and quality hunt.
To experience the great outdoors, whether it is a successful hunt or just a day in the woods, the Vet for a moment in time once again experiences normalcy. Sharing their stories or maybe even bragging rights with their guide for the day or other Vets, family and friends is priceless.
Since HHVs inception in 2014 they taken 140 Vets on hunts. Veteran’s hunts thus far have harvested 72 deer, 8 turkeys, numerous geese and ducks.
In 2014, HHV had only 500 acres available for hunting. Today they have grown to
over 2000 acres of prime land for deer and 4,000 acres for waterfowl. That may sound like a lot open acreage but when taking 4 Vets each weekend that’s quite a bit of pressure on those properties! Actively the members of the organization are actively on the lookout for more quality land. Should any property owner be willing to work with our organization to make available land whether it’s hunting land available only for a weekend or for a full hunting season please contact HHV.
Heroes for Hunt is based out of Waupun. However HHV offer hunts in Fond du lac, Dodge, Green Lake and Columbia counties.
Locally the Manchester Rod & Gun Club has been working with HHV to take Vets on their land, located just down the road across from Hunt’s Repair. The site is called Camp Nickolas, were 2 Vets and their guides are able to stay for a long weekend hunt.
Camp Nickolas is named for SGT. Nickolas Mueller, who served with the 160th Special Forces Night Stalkers and was from Two Rivers Wisconsin. Mueller was the door gunner in a Chinook helicopter. In 2009, while on a combat mission in Afghanistan his unit was shot down, killing all 17 aboard.
A reminder that “Freedom comes at a terrible cost”.
In conclusion Mr. Vogel answered the many inquires of Post members. Handing out informative brochures which include contact sites. Such as their local email [email protected]
Website www.HEROESHUNTFORVETS.ORG
Phone 920-324-8886
Legion Post commander Doug Stoll presented a donation on behalf of the membership to assist HHV to continued goals enabling Veterans to enjoy a day in the woods. Allowing Veterans to experience the exhilaration and thrill of the hunt.
The Legion would like to encourage everyone to check out the website or contact HHV. Invite a member of the organization to share with you their services and goals working with Veterans to once again explore the challenge of a hunting experience. Learn of the many offerings of the Heroes’ Hunt for Veterans.