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Sign-ups for NWTF veterans hunt are now underway

The National Wild Turkey Federation has an initiative called ‘Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt’. The local Kinzua Allegheny Longbeards chapter will do their part in saving the hunt on Thursday, November 12, with their 4th Annual Veterans Pheasant Hunt.

The event is the day after Veterans Day because many veterans are busy with other activities on Veterans Day.

The hunt is open to all veterans including active duty military. Wheelchair-bound veterans can be accommodated.

“We haven’t found a disability yet we can’t accommodate,” said NWTF Project Biologist Kristen Giger.

Kristen and Jory Giger are event chairpersons.

A World War II veteran is already signed up for this event.

Kristen Giger has been with the NWTF for about five years. Among her tasks is dealing with grants and agreements with state and federal agencies, and working on habitat with private landowners.

Approximately 70 participants will be selected from the applications which are received. This will be an increase from the 55 veterans who participated in the hunt last year.

Participants will be responsible for obtaining a valid Pennsylvania hunting license and for bringing the required blaze orange hat and clothing. Ammunition for 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotguns will be provided. A limited number of shotguns will be available for participants to borrow.

The hunt this year will again be held at Buzzard Swamp, in Forest County. Pheasants and chukars will be stocked for the hunt.

Pheasants Forever has been providing dogs and handlers to help participants find the birds.

So far at least, every veteran has at least had shooting opportunities.

Applications for the hunt have been made available to area veterans groups. If you do not have access to an application contact Jory or Kristen Giger by phoning 814-313-1365, or by e-mail to kgiger@nwtf.net.

Applications must be received by Monday, October 12. Successful applicants will be notified by a phone call on, or before, October 19.

The day will begin with participants gathering at the Forest County Veterans Club, at Marienville. Registration is at 8:00 a.m., followed by a safety talk. Coffee and donuts will be available.

Hunters will be divided into groups. They will be transported to Buzzard Swamp by vans which are provided by Forest County. Each hunt will last about 1-1/2 hours.

Following the hunting, participants will be shuttled back to the Veterans Club where an archery range with bows and crossbows, a bird cleaning station and a leather workshop will be available.

“They (hunters) do need to bring some bags and ice to take their birds back home with them,” Giger said.

There will be auctions and a late lunch will be served by the Cleo Bargerstock Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 1424.

“That is quite a spread they put on, no doubt about that,” Giger said.

As important as any other phase of the hunt, gathering at the Vets Club makes it possible for a diverse group of veterans to chat. Camaraderie in such a setting does great things.

All of this is made possible only through contributions and cooperation among individual and group volunteers.

“The National Wild Turkey Federation really understands and values the contributions volunteers have made,” Giger said. “Thanks to local veterans clubs and sportsmen clubs.”

Even with shrinking memberships in many groups, still a large effort like the Veterans Hunt is possible because fewer are willing to do more.

Speaking for my fellow veterans, I say thanks to all. It does help our spirits to realize that we are not forgotten.

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