Healing through the Great Outdoors: Annual Hunts for Minnesota’s Disabled Veterans
Each year, the NWTF Minnesota State Chapter partners with the Minnesota Veterans Outdoors Program to host two pivotal events: the disabled veterans turkey hunt in April and the disabled veterans deer hunt in October. These events honor and support those who have served their country with unparalleled dedication through providing disabled veterans with an opportunity to experience the joy of recreational hunting and the camaraderie of fellow veterans.
Nearly two decades ago, the Minnesota State Chapter took the initiative to launch the turkey hunt in collaboration with the Minnesota Veterans Outdoors Program. Today, these hunts have become an essential opportunity for disabled veterans to engage in safe and fulfilling recreational activities, and many of these veterans look forward to these events each year. Currently, the NWTF Minnesota State Chapter Super Fund allocates $4,500 for the turkey hunt and $2,000 for the deer hunt annually.
“These hunts, in many respects, resemble typical hunting experiences, and they continually adapt and change,” said Wayne Wiener, NWTF Minnesota state board member. “In our first year, our main challenge was ensuring we had an adequate number of mentors to assist the hunters. As turkey hunting gained popularity throughout the state, we now have a surplus of mentors. It caught on like wildfire and just gets better every year. It's impossible to overstate the impact these hunts have had on both the veterans and the mentors, creating an abundance of cherished memories.”
Both the disabled veterans turkey and deer hunts take place in Little Falls, Minnesota, at Camp Ripley, a vast 53,000-acre military training facility.
The 18th annual turkey hunt, which took place on April 25 and 26 this year, welcomed 35 participants. Meanwhile, the 33rd annual October deer hunt saw the participation of 50 veterans, with more than 100 volunteers supporting these events. Since its inception, the program has served over 3,800 veterans, creating invaluable experiences and fostering camaraderie amongst participants.
Dedicated mentors at each event play a crucial role in aiding veterans with equipment setup, ensuring their safety, and educating about the processing of harvested game. Additionally, all harvested game animals are registered and cleaned on-site, ensuring a seamless experience for the participants. Meals and lodging are also provided to the veterans.
“It’s really rewarding to see what the disabled veterans get to experience through this program,” said Ralph Warzecha, NWTF Minnesota Save the Hunt coordinator. “The heart of these events lies in the dedication and generosity of the volunteers who come together to make them truly special.”
The Minnesota Veterans Outdoors Program has changed lives and reignited the passion for nature and the outdoors in veterans who might have thought they'd never have such an opportunity again. Providing a gateway to the great outdoors, the Camp Ripley hunts offer veterans the opportunity to reconnect with nature and connect with others. The spirit, determination and resilience of these veterans, regardless of their era of service, unite them in their shared experiences, and the common bond between them is undeniable.
The hunts provide more than just a chance to harvest game. In line with the Minnesota Veterans Outdoors Program's mission, the Camp Ripley hunts deliver recreational therapy through outdoor activities, which positively engage veterans, enhance their physical strength and endurance and improve their overall quality of life. The camaraderie, shared experiences and therapeutic benefits are truly immeasurable.
“The main purpose of the Minnesota Veterans Outdoors Program is to provide Outdoor Recreational Therapy for our disabled veterans,” said Thomas Kramin, Minnesota Veterans Outdoors coordinator. “Military service is hard on both the body and mind. The VA hospitals help heal the body. Our purpose is to help heal the mind by getting these veterans out of the confines of the home or hospital, to enjoy time in the woods or on the water, to relax, and enjoy what they defended during their military service. There is no greater healer than spending some time with Mother Nature!”
Disabled veterans who wish to take part in either the spring turkey or fall deer hunt can submit their applications online through the Minnesota Veterans Outdoors website. Participants are chosen via a lottery system, and to be eligible for these hunts, applicants must be disabled veterans residing in the state of Minnesota.
For comprehensive information on the application procedure and additional details about the Camp Ripley hunts, visit the Minnesota Veterans Outdoors website.
Special thanks to these program partners: Minnesota American Legion, Minnesota Disabled American Veterans, VFW, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Minnesota Elks, Scheels, Midwest Outdoors Unlimited, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Stephens Sportsmen’s Club, Rice Area Sportsmen’s Club, Trails End Taxidermy, Split Rock Coffee, and many more.