Impact Outdoor Enthusiast Program lets wounded veterans in Wisconsin enjoy nature-based activities at no cost

Wisconsin holds great appeal for veterans. Some of the state’s biggest draws are its outdoor recreational opportunities and its wonders that are easy to enjoy nature year-round.

Impact Operation Outdoor Enthusiast partners with nature lovers and wounded veterans to provide the opportunity to reclaim their passion for nature by participating in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing at no cost.

The program launched in 2018 and offers year-round programs. Impact Operation Outdoor Enthusiast has hosted events on Wisconsin's state forests and land, private ranches, and timber lands. For some of the wounded veterans who participated, it was the first opportunity to get outdoors since returning home from duty.”

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Eligibility Requirements for Operation Outdoor Freedom

To participate in the Operation Outdoor Freedom program, a veteran must have a service-connected disability rating of 30% or greater from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or be a Purple Heart recipient.

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The program incorporates two types of events:

• Guided Events, which provide complete guide services, housing, and all meals, and meet all needs related to scouting, equipment, blinds, and game processing, as well as handicapped needs. (Mobility assessments are provided for each Guided Event.)

• Unguided Events, which only provides the site, primitive campsites, and portable restroom facilities. The veteran is responsible for all hunting equipment, tents, and food (though some events may provide a meal). All scouting and hunting is the responsibility of the veteran. Each veteran is allowed to bring one non-hunting assistant who may go on the hunt and help but is not allowed to use a weapon.

Veterans register online for events throughout the state, such as alligator, turkey, and hog hunts; deep-sea fishing outings; weekend camping, and family trips. View available recreational events and apply here. (Applicants are selected to participate in events via a random computer draw.)

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“While the veterans enjoy Wisconsin's beautiful outdoors with their brothers and sisters in arms, they experience much more than just hunting or fishing. They share their common experiences, share their common frustrations, and share tips and ideas on ways they’ve dealt with challenges in their recovery and rehabilitation. The therapeutic value of “ Impact Operation Outdoor Enthusiast” hunts and fishing trips takes place at the top of a tree stand, on the bow of a boat and sitting around a campfire at the end of the day.”

 

Support Impact Operation Outdoor Enthusiast

The success of Impact Operation Outdoor Enthusiast depends on support from local communities and citizens. The program is funded entirely through private donations. There are a variety of ways in which business owners, landowners and ordinary citizens can help—from hosting a hunt and volunteering to providing meals.

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For more information contact Caleb@impactBrandsUsa.com Veterans register online for events throughout the state, such as deer, turkey and water fowl hunts; fishing outings; weekend camping and family trips. View available recreational events and apply here. (Applicants are selected to participate in events via a random computer draw.)