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"Fighting for Our Veterans-Supporting Our Troops"
Proudly Serving All Branches & All Eras Since 1999
Search Our Site Below
Entire web
Hunt for the Heroes
By Tom Brannon
I was selected to go on a Hunt for the Heroes at Licking River Outfitters in Cynthiana, Kentucky. It was a three day hunt on a beautiful 580 acre wildlife management farm. Licking River Outfitters is a non-profit organization that provides, at no charge to Veterans and Wounded Warriors, a hunt. I arrived and met with the other Veterans who had come from across America to hunt trophy deer. After a brief intro by Robin Gassett and coverage of the rules ( Main rule: Only shoot Bucks 125 or higher on Boone & Crockett scale - Does are free game and shoot any coyotes!)we set out for the evening hunt.
I had just got in my comfortable plywood blind, when two button bucks walked right by the blind. I was excited to be this close to them. I sat and watched a few does run across a trail and then a HUGE buck came out of the woods about 100 meters away, but he was hot on the trail of two females and kept moving. I then heard a noise beside me again only to notice a four point eating and walking around. This was just the first afternoon and I had already seen more deer than I had in my entire life. Before sunset we were each picked up from our own hunting site and brought back to the cabin. We all got settled and were treated to a great home cooked meal, and of course when you have Veterans together you have great story telling.
The next morning was windy and rainy, but everyone still went hunting. I only saw a small doe on the second day, but still enjoyed every minute. The third morning was overcast and cold... I got into my blind and began to look for deer. I didn't have to wait long...a small doe wandering around was quickly noticed by a small buck that chased her into the woods.This was my last day and I decided I was going home with something! I saw another doe walk into view and the the Big Buck came over to meet her... my heart pounding harder and faster I raised up my rifle to get my shot when they moved on out of range. Then the doe came back... I waited for the buck, but didn't see him, so I decided she would do. I took my shot and got me a nice doe. Only to hear a shot not far away a few minutes later... I had scared the buck towards a buddy who took the 8 pointer that weighed a little over 200lbs. Another Veteran didn't get a deer, but did shoot two coyotes.
It was a great time and we got to meet Brothers from all branches. I got to know one Veteran who lost a leg in Iraq, and another who is deaf from an IED blast. We were all disabled veterans, but there at Licking River Outfitters we were treated as Heroes. Robin, his wife Ellen, and some other family members came together to make this a real Dream Come True. They depend on donations and supporters to keep the doors open for our Heroes; any amount donated will help and is tax deductible. Visit lickingriveroutfitters.com to make a donation. Thanks!
