THE VETERAN HUNTERS
Hunting for Heroes
"We are a non-profit organization run by Canadian Army Veterans with the mission of helping Veterans with PTSD, by providing them with a hunt. All participants in the program have deployed on operations and suffer from PTSD, and other physical injuries. As part of our healing we find hunting extremely therapeutic. Being in nature and stalking an animal requires you to be in the moment and mindful of your surroundings. It has given us an opportunity for self discovery and a reaffirmation and validation of our skills as soldiers. Hunting provides us with a sense of purpose and a real meaning again".
- Founder Todd Hisey
Mission:
Our mission is to help Veterans & 1st Responders with PTSD by providing them with an opportunity for a hunt.
ACTIVITIES
Making A Difference
JOIN US
If you are a Veteran, whether experienced or are new to hunting, we can help you get trained and onto a hunt either using a rifle or bow. We organize group hunts as well as facilitate individual hunts.
WESTERN CANADA BIG GAME
We have access to both Public and Private land hunts primarily in Alberta. We can offer: Black Bear, Elk, Moose, Deer and Sheep hunts.
AFRICA HUNTS
If you have ever dreamed of hunting the dark continent we can help. We work with a group in the Republic of South Africa that is Veteran owned and operated and specializes in the Eastern Cape Plains Game.
2020 HUNTING SCHEDULE
Updated 30 June
All hunts are led by Veteran Hunter Hosts or licensed Outfitters.
May 1-7
SPRING SNOW GOOSE
Concluded
June 4-7 / June 12-15
SPRING BLACK BEAR
Hinton Alberta
Whitecourt Alberta: June-August
MERRIAM TURKEY
We have a limited number of sponsored Private Land Merriam Turkey hunts with JP Hunting Adventures. https://j-poutdoorhuntingadventures.site123.me/
Range Rd 55, Cremona, AB: 25 July
3D ARCHERY SHOOT - SPACES STILL AVAILABLE
This will be our 1st 3D Shoot for Veterans and 1st Responders
Max 20 Participants
2 Rounds of 3D (Rain or Shine)
1st Round Starts at 10am
Prizes for all Participants
BBQ Lunch
Compound/Recurve/Crossbow
Cost $50 (a portion of the proceeds will go to the WineGlass Wellness Retreat renovation)
RSVP NLT 10 July to:
CAMERON RIDGE SUMMER WORK
British Columbia: 21 June- 5 July; 5 July-19 July; 19 July-2 August;
An opportunity for Veterans and 1st Responders to spend some time in the outdoors. Shared cabin accommodations and food are free in exchange for some light labour around the camp ie trail cutting, wood cutting, structure maintenance & construction. Required kit list and detailed travel instructions are available at time of booking.
CAMERON RIDGE FALL ASST GUIDES
British Columbia: 1-10 Sep Goat Hunt / 23 Sep - 6 Goat/Moose Hunt / 1-8 Oct - Moose Hunt / 11-18 Oct Moose Hunt
Great opportunities to get experience on a Western Canada mountain hunt as an Assistant Guide.
TROPHY SHEEP/NON-TROPHY SHEEP
Cochrane Alberta: Trophy Sheep 25 Aug - 31 Oct (Resident); and 1 Sep - 31 Oct (Non-Resident); Non-Trophy 10 Sep - 31 Oct
Dates are flexible, based on your schedule. We have an experienced Veteran Hunter Host willing to help you harvest a Trophy or Non-Trophy Sheep on your AB Resident General Rifle Tag, Draw Tag or Non-Resident Draw Tag.
BLACKTAIL DEER - ARCHERY
South Vancouver Island BC: 29-30 Aug
3 x Hunters plus Host; 2 day 1 night camping on public land. Loaner tents available.
BLACK BEAR - ARCHERY
South Vancouver Island BC: 5-6 Sep
3 x Hunters plus Host; 2 day 1 night camping on public land. Loaner tents available.
BLACKTAIL DEER - RIFLE OR BOW
South Vancouver Island BC: 26- 27 Sep
3 x Hunters plus Host; 2 day 1 night camping on public land. Loaner tents available.
Hinton Alberta: 31 Aug-3 Sep / 8-11 Sep / 16-19 Sep
ELK - ARCHERY
FULL
Cochrane Alberta: 1 Sep-24 Oct
ELK - ARCHERY
WMU 314. Private land hunts. Antlered & Anterless. I am able to bring two hunters per month onto the property. Contact me with the dates you would like to hunt.
Cochrane Alberta: 1 Sep-31 Oct
CROSSBOW HUNT - WHITE-TAIL DEER
This hunt is only permissible for those hunters who have permission from the AB Government to use a crossbow during archery season. WMU 314. Private land hunt. Antlered & Anterless. Wheelchair accessible heated blind.
Nova Scotia: 13-19 Sep
BLACK BEAR
Bow or Rifle
Peace River Alberta: Sep - Jan Moose/Elk/Whitetail
BOW/RIFLE HUNTS
WMU 523. Close by within an hour's drive:
WMU's 522, 526, 527, 520, 544, 521, 360
Cabin on acreage for accommodations or you can bring your own RV.
Macklin Saskattchewan: 1-4 Oct
WATERFOWL
Space for 4 Veterans. Fully funded hunt. No equipment required.
New Brunswick Dates: 2-4 Oct; 10-13 Oct; 18-21 Oct; 26-29 Oct.
WATERFOWL
Hunts guided by Maritime Goose Hunters https://www.instagram.com/maritimegoosehunters/
South Vancouver Island BC: 17-18 Oct
BLACK BEAR - RIFLE OR BOW
3 x Hunters plus Host; 2 day 1 night camping on public land. Loaner tents available.
Cochrane Alberta: 25 Oct-30 Nov
ELK - RIFLE - 1 SPACE STILL AVAILABLE
30 Oct- 3 Nov - Booked. WMU 314. Private Land. Antlered Elk 3pt or Larger. I am able to bring two hunters onto the property. Contact me with the dates you would like to hunt.
South Vancouver Island: 31Oct
WATERFOWL
3 x Hunters plus Host. Day trips to a Ducks Unlimited property.
Cochrane Alberta: 1-30 Nov
WHITE-TAIL DEER RIFLE HUNTS
WMU 314. Private land hunts. Antlered & Anterless. Wheelchair accessible heated blind. 4 x hunts available.
South Vancouver Island: 7 Nov
WATERFOWL
3 x Hunters plus Host. Day trips to Ducks Unlimited property.
South Vancouver Island BC: 14-15 Nov
BLACKTAIL DEER - RIFLE OR BOW
3 x Hunters plus Host; 2 day 1 night camping on public land. Loaner tents available.
South Vancouver Island: 28-29 Nov
BLACK BEAR - RIFLE OR BOW
3 x Hunters plus Host; 2 day 1 night camping on public land. Loaner tents available.
Cochrane Alberta: Dec-Jan
COW ELK RIFLE - WMU 314 DRAW
Must be drawn for 314 Cow Elk. Private Land Hunts - WMU 314. Contact me with the dates you would like to hunt.
KEY PEOPLE
Veteran Hosts & Advisors
RICHARD COLLIER
Waterfowl
Served in the Canadian Army from 2001- 2006, joining just prior to 9/11. Posted to 1 SVC BN in 2002 as a Mobile Support Equipment Operator. Deployed to Kabul Afghanistan in 2004-2005 as a part of Operation Athena.
“I’ve always loved the outdoors and became a hardcore hunter in 2015, at first it was a way to escape the world around me, but It quickly became a passion and a mental health medicine that I like to share with other Veterans”.
MATTHEW RITCHIE
AB - Elk (Bow/Rifle)
Served in the Canadian Army from 2001-2004, joining just after 9/11. Posted to 1st Bn Royal Canadian Regiment as an Infantryman. Deployed to Kabul Afghanistan in 2003-2004 for Operation Athena with 3rd Bn Royal Canadian Regiment.
“My Father was the Lead Guide for a friend’s outfitting business so at a very young age I hunted, fished and trapped. The last few years I have returned to my roots and I have become more involved with the outdoors as it is a place of reflection and safety for me as the world we live in becomes more and more overwhelming. I look forward to meeting everyone and sharing our experiences”.
KEENAN FEENEY
AB - Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep
Served in the Canadian Army from 2008-2011 with 1st Bn Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
"Last season I accomplished a feat that few hunters ever achieve, harvesting a Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep solo. I have a passion for helping fellow Veterans achieve the same dream".
BRAD MUSSELMAN
AB - Deer/Elk (Bow/Rifle)
Served in the Canadian Army from 2002-2007 with 1st Bn Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 as part of TF Orion Operation Archer.
"I was born in Quesnel BC. I enjoy the outdoors to its fullest, hunting has reconnected me to many friends and nature. I am excited to be hosting hunts this fall for Veterans and I look forward to meeting many new friends".
RICH PEARCE
BC - Bow/Rifle
Served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1996 until 2020 as a NESOP and Ships Diver based out of Esquimalt BC. Deployed on multiple Ops: Op Apollo, Op Augmentation: Op Athena: and Op Caribbe.
"I enjoy the wilderness and helping others do the same. I’m excited to be able to host Veteran Hunters this fall and share my passion for hunting on Vancouver Island BC".
PASTOR WADE PATON
Chaplain
"I am currently one of the pastors at Rock Pointe church in Calgary. I have been in Christian ministry for 20 years, serving churches in Alberta, Ontario and one ministry assignment that took me to Thailand for 4 years. The theme I love talking about the most is freedom. I believe that no matter what we feel owned by or controlled by, we can be set free to live at peace with God, others and ourselves".
JORDAN WALSH
Hunter Advisor
Jordan brings his experience as a Professional Hunter and Host of The Riflemen on the Sportsman Channel to our orgnaization. https://www.thesportsmanchannel.com/show/the-riflemen/374166
2020 GALLERY
Our Heroes in Action
This was a great day for me. I got to check something of my bucket list and get out Turkey hunting with my good friend Mark D. I want to thank Mark for getting in contact with Todd from The Veteran Hunters and Peter from JP Hunting Adventures. Todd what you do for us Veterans with The Veteran Hunters is outstanding without this I would have had to wait at least 15+ years to get maybe drawn for a Alberta Turkey.
Chris M. - Morinville, AB
OUR SPONSORS
Please Support Them
VORTEX CANADA
Vortex Canada is the official Canadian distributor of Vortex Optics and is owned and operated by Paul Grant and Val Wyatt. Vortex provides world renowned optical instruments to birding and observation enthusiasts as well as meeting the exacting demands of tactical professionals and hunters.
BASS PRO SHOPS
CABELA'S
OUTDOOR FUND
The Outdoor Fund provides financial support to Canadian non-profit charities that support our 3 conservation pillars:
Advocacy: protecting the outdoor lifestyle and the right to hunt, fish, camp and trap
Education:teaching the next generation of hunters, anglers, campers, and recreational sport shooters
Conservation: improving the habitat with sound conservation methods to ensure future generations will enjoy hunting and fishing
The Outdoor Fund accomplishes this through generous support of Cabela’s Canada customers who round up to the nearest dollar at checkout in our retail stores, through the call centre and online at cabelas.ca.
GRAND VALLEY SAFARI CLUB
The Grand Valley Safari Club started 17 years ago with the aim of promoting and celebrating hunting in the Alberta Foothills.
ROYAL KAROO SAFARIS
Royal Karoo Hunting Safaris is situated in the mountainous Eastern Cape where the Great Karoo meets Valley Bushveld. This means that the region is rated as the best African Hunting spot for Kudu in South Africa and a world-class Bow Hunting destination.
Our various competitive hunting packages offer luxurious accommodation, set within 25,000 acres of malaria-free Fair Chase African Hunting preserve. Answer the call to the “Most Unforgettable African Hunting Experience”
COCHRANE DODGE JEEP RAM
Known for our extensive and diverse inventory, Cochrane Dodge is your central Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep RAM Dealership between Calgary and Canmore! Just 10 minutes West of the high prices and East of Alberta's breathtaking Rocky Mountains you won't find a better deal. We offer special pricing for Veterans.
MILITARY MINDS INC
Military Minds Inc is an active, connected membership that does not create programs or services but instead helps connect its members to those very programs and services that fulfill their needs.
OUR FUNDRAISING DINNER CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
