Grant to Benefit Deserving Arizona Veterans through Hunts for Heroes Program
The Arizona Elk Society (https://www.arizonaelksociety.org/) is pleased to announce they are the recipients of a $15,000 grant, funded by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services as made available through the Arizona Veterans’ Donation Fund. The money will be used to assist the Hunts for Heroes program, a partnership between the Arizona Elk Society (AES) and Arizona Game and Fish, that connects veterans with disabilities with Arizona hunting outfitters and AES volunteers to provide hope to Veterans in need through an outdoor experience unlike any other.
Arizona Elk Society Executive Director Steve Clark said the program delivers free all-inclusive hunts for both men and women in the state of Arizona to encourage “Healing through Hunting.” They are projected to provide more than 60 hunts in 2017.
“We really appreciate the support of the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services,” Clark said. “We have received so much interest in this program, and we have seen how it transforms the lives of deserving veterans with limited mobility. This funding will enable us to help even more local heroes gain a renewed sense of hope as they get outdoors, out of their normal routines and realize how appreciated they are, and what they are capable of.”
The program is for veterans with a significant mobility disability. Many of these veterans remain at home, disengaged from society and some losing hope. The three to seven-day adventures are more than a hunting trip; they provide a sense of normalcy that the veterans thought they lost and provides new perspective on what they can achieve even with their injuries. Often, those who volunteer for the program are veterans themselves, creating an immediate sense of family and bonding for the wounded veteran.
Please contact Tom Wagner for more information about the program at [email protected].
About The Arizona Elk Society:
The Arizona Elk Society is committed to conserving and enhancing wildlife habitat in Arizona, protecting sound wildlife management and habitat through partnering with government agencies and other organizations and implementing special programs for youth education regarding conservation, hunting and outdoor activities. The Arizona Elk Society regularly informs the general public about issues concerning wildlife conservation, as well as scientific and biological wildlife and habitat management. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities now available. Visit https://www.arizonaelksociety.org/