OHA Helps Veterans Earn Their Wings

By Tyler Dungannon, OHA Conservation Director

TD@oregonhunters.org

Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and OHA Citizen Landowner of the Year David Sill hosted a waterfowl hunt for eight veterans and active military personnel on Jan. 31 at Sill’s waterfowl hunting property on the Tualatin River following an ODFW Duck Hunting Workshop at the Gervais Rod and Gun Club.

Oregon’s general duck season ended Jan. 25, but each year ODFW sanctions a special postseason hunting day for veterans only.

Four parties of two or three hunters each (veterans and active duty personnel paired with an experienced mentor) took to the marsh.

The veterans were free to bring their own dogs or rely on the experienced dogs provided by the mentor. Shotguns, ammo, waders and decoys were provided as needed.

Volunteers from OHA’s Tualatin Valley Chapter had coffee brewing at 4 a.m. and served breakfast to veterans and organizers, and the property farm and hunt manager Steve Schumacher went the extra mile in preparation for the event.

“This was our first OHA event of this type, and we hope to build on this in the future,” said Kelly Forney, OHA state board member and event organizer.

OHA and ODFW partnered to offer this opportunity for the veterans to hunt on the Sill property. Weather conditions were less than ideal (dense fog and no wind), but all hunters had shot opportunities and saw birds. Green-winged teal, mallards and pintails were in the mixed bags of the hunters.

OHA’s Field Director Bryan Cook was in the field for this last hunt of the season. “This was a great opportunity for us to help show appreciation for our veterans, and we thank our partners ODFW and David Sill for helping us make it happen. The setting was amazing, and the fun and camaraderie couldn’t have been better.”

“Everyone got some shooting and everyone had a good time,” reported Sill.

“OHA and ODFW made it easy, we just had to show up and hunt,” said Matt Martel, a Navy veteran. “Thanks to Mr. Sill for letting this happen.”

Chris Benson, an Air Force veteran, added, “I was honored to be invited to hunt this property. What a slice of heaven this property is. There were birds everywhere, even when we couldn’t see them. Thank you for a wonderful day of camaraderie, sharing stories, learning and self reflection. A guy couldn’t ask for more.”

Marine veteran Doug Stefan said, “I hope all veterans get to experience what OHA is doing.” —Gary Lewis

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