Feb 04, 2023

Local Pheasants Forever chapter hosting Wounded Warrior Hunt

Posted Feb 04, 2023 7:00 PM

By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post

One group helping another. Thirty years ago, the Rooster Booster Chapter 504 of Pheasants Forever was founded in Barton and Stafford counties. Eight years ago, the group reached out to Wounded Warrior Project to give Iraq and Afghanistan veterans a special weekend. After missing the last two years due to COVID-19, the local Pheasants Forever chapter is proud to announce the return of the Wounded Warrior Hunt later this month.

"We wanted a way to give back to those who have given so much to us," said Pheasants Forever Chapter Treasurer Scot Moeder. "We saw a need for a lot of military personnel who had enlisted after 9/11."

Pheasants Forever was founded at the national level in 1982, for the purpose of protecting and enhancing ring-necked pheasant populations and habitat through conservation. Eight years ago, Moeder, Lynn Petersen, Charlie Swank, and Lance Crosby decided to use the local chapter for another good by reaching out to Wounded Warrior Project.

This year, approximately 12 Warriors will travel in from surrounding states for a three-day, two-night hunting experience. All supplies, accommodations, and meals are paid for by Pheasants Forever. The goal is a rewarding experience for the veterans.

"They show up and everyone is kind of standoff-ish," Moeder said. "When they leave Sunday, everybody is hugging and everyone stays in touch. It's a great way to connect and build these guys back up."

Wounded Warrior Project began in 2003 as a grassroots effort to provide care and comfort items to injured veterans involved in the Iran and Afghanistan conflicts. The project has grown and evolved into mental health and career counseling, as well as long-term rehabilitative care and advocacy for veterans.

Pheasants Forever Chapter 504 does hold an annual fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Hunt. Those wishing to make donations can contact Moeder by calling (620) 786-0273, or call Club President Jason Perry at (620) 792-9625.