Freedom Hunters is an organization that takes select active duty and combat veterans on outdoor adventures.With donations from conservation groups, outfitters, corporations, state agencies and land owners, individuals from all branches of the military can enjoy the great outdoor American traditions.
Anthony Pace, the organization’s founder started the program as a way to give back to the troops. “I didn’t want the patriotism after 9/11 to die.” said Pace, “All I wanted to do was find something to give back.” Since they started, Freedom Hunters has expanded across the country from California to Virginia and up into Canada.
The operation exists mostly on in-kind donations. “We don’t have a ton of money,” explained Pace but landowners offer their land for hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.
Last year the organization donated adventures to over 500 soldiers; some trips are for one or two guys and can be anything from fly-fishing to an Elk Hunt to White Tail hunting. Some donors provide adventures specifically for wounded warriors or for the children of a deployed soldier.
The group was able to take young Matt Burge on his first elk hunt while his father SFC James Burge had been deployed for 13 months. The Elk Research Institute and one of their donors gave Matt a chance to bring home the meat and a nice rack.
You can learn more about Freedom Hunters at their website, FreedomHunters.org
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