A hunt for heroes

When you think of the term hero, what do you envision?  Some may see a man or woman wearing a cape flying around. Others may see their favorite singer or actor.  For me when I think of the term hero I don’t see fairytales and spot lights.  I see a brave young man trying to hold back his fear as he boards the bus to boot camp.  I see a mother with a tear in her eye hugging her children one last time before she hops on that plane to a far away war zone.  I see sailors, airmen, soldiers and warriors willing to sacrifice everything they have at home to ensure our homeland is free.  Yes when I hear the word hero I see the common everyday people of this country who are willing to do the uncommon.  They are our country's true heroes.  So when I was asked if I would help with a pheasant hunt for these heroes I couldn’t get the word YES out fast enough.  This would be a chance to hang out with some of my heroes while sharing a passion of my own.

A crisp autumn breeze blew as the sun slowly rose.  The multicolored leaves were shaking and falling as the brilliant blue sky emerged from the darkness.  This morning's drive wouldn't be long, only a 10 minute commute.  This trip wasn’t so much about me finding a new adventure as it was sharing my passion for adventure with others. Today I was going to be with a very special group.  I would be with warriors, the ones willing to sacrifice everything to defend our freedom.  By 7:45am I found the gravel driveway and parked my truck.  Already a few folks had arrived.  Over coffee and donuts we made introductions and discussed the day's hunt.  Once the majority of the veterans and their families had arrived I was given a tour of the 140 acre parcel we would be hunting.  The plan was quite simple: walk the trails and old skid roads while the dogs worked their magic in hopes of finding the birds.

As we gathered our first group of veterans and family members Pete, our first dog, was getting ready.   Pete stepped out of his kennel and his sleek body glistened in the sun. 

His owner set up his collars and he was ready to go.  The first group of hunters slowly walk their way down the trail. Pete zigged and zagged with his nose in the air then his nose to the ground trying to find the faintest scent of his quarry.  Then it happened, Pete got birdy. 

If you have never seen a hunting dog get birdy it can be hard to describe.   The dog's body and mind get very intense.  Their mind seems to go into overdrive and they cautiously move with a sense of urgency.  Pete then went stone still.  Like a rock sitting in a pasture he didn't move.  His handler slowly walked up as the hunters prepared themselves.  Barrels in the air and safeties off.  The tall grass and tangled weeds came to life.  The bird came out of the cover with a loud squawk and feathers drumming against its body. 

The hunters with shotguns at the ready pulled their triggers.  With a loud boom the bird fell to the ground.  Pete immediately went on the search for the down bird.  Within just a few seconds the bird had been recovered.  With smiles on their faces the veterans looked over the beautiful bird and slowly slid it into their game vest.  This entire sequence of events repeated itself several more times.  While the first group came out of the woods the next group was eagerly waiting to go.  This time we would be using Lou as our tour guide.  Lou is a two year old hunting dog who is quickly learning her way around the woods. 

Lou bounded around the fields and woods excited to get the slightest whiff of a bird.  Into the trees she went.  Through the thick tangles we could see her get birdy.  As she went on point her handler worked his way into the woods with one hunter by his side.  The bird popped up and flew through the thick growth.  As it hit an opening one of the hunters pulled his trigger. 

The bird dropped to the ground in an overgrown stand of thick young trees.  Lou dashed into the thicket and came out with the bird gently resting in her mouth.  Everyone was so excited including the dog. 

When the second group was done we gathered a third group of hunters and repeated the same scenario.  Once they were done we took a break for lunch.  While we sat and ate the hunting stories were told.  As their adventures afield were replayed out loud I found myself sitting back and just listening, knowing that these happy hunters were rehearsing the stories that will be told over and over again for years to come. 

It was wonderful to watch these veterans and their families sit together and embrace themselves in the peace and comfort of being together outdoors.  I stood there and listened as one army veteran told me about his time in Iraq working with an anti-tank unit.  I was flooded with emotions knowing that he has sacrificed years of his life to defend this country and now I was able to help bring some joy to his and his family's life.  After lunch two more groups wanted to go out again in hopes of getting a bird. 

I stayed back at the cabin and talked with some of the veterans as they prepared their birds to take home.  Once the hunt was over we took some pictures and said our goodbyes.  As I pulled out of the driveway I found myself again flooded with emotions.  Once my brain finally decided on what to feel, it settled in on proud.  I was proud to be able to assist these brave individuals with a day of hunting.  I was proud of these veterans for doing what they selflessly chose to do.  I was proud to be able to bring some much joy to their families, and I was proud to be an American.  

About 10 months ago I was asked if I would be interested in sitting on the board for the Wounded Warriors Outdoor Adventures (WWOA).  I knew that this group did some amazing things for our veterans so I agreed.  In a short amount of time I found myself helping with many events and fundraisers all over the North Country.  From fishing tournaments to mud runs I was helping to raise money so we can offer special events like this hunt to our veterans and their families.  

A special thank you goes out to the Root family for making this hunt possible.  Jeff and Anne Root allowed us to use their property so we had plenty of room to make this possible.  I want to thank John and David Root for bringing Pete and Lou.  Those dogs worked very hard to get our veterans and their families on some birds.  In just a few short hours Pete had covered 15 miles and Lou covered 13.  We were so lucky to have you guys there.  I’m looking forward to working with you guys again next year.  For those of you who don’t know, the WWOA sends our veterans on hunting and fishing trips all over this country. 

We also own a small campground in Colton New York.  This camp is specifically for veterans and their family.  With the money raised from these events we can offer free camping to any veteran.  They are able to show up and enjoy the peace and relaxation they deserve at no cost. 

Personally I am currently in the process of working on offering  a camping/fly fishing trip for one veteran next year.  Early next year I’m hoping to have raffle tickets for a one day fly fishing trip to help pay for the veterans trip.  If you are interested in making a donation to the WWOA check out our website. https://www.wwoadventures.com/ Every dime goes to making outdoor memoires for our veterans.  

Aaron Hardy

Northern NY Adventures

“Make Life an Adventure”