Why Every Team Must Include a Veteran

At Troops & Tusks we require that each hunting team bring a veteran along. The rule is not a formality; it reflects our belief that the hunt can be a place of purpose and connection for those who have served.

Veterans often face isolation after leaving the military, and the daily loss of about 23 veterans to suicide underscores the need for community. A day in the woods, working toward a common goal, provides structure, physical activity, and a sense of belonging that can help counter that risk.

For hunters and volunteers, having a veteran on the team adds perspective and experience. Veterans bring discipline, safety awareness, and a calm presence that benefits the whole group, especially when handling large hogs that cause roughly 76 million dollars of agricultural damage each year.

If you are forming a team, start by contacting local VFW posts, Hero Hunts, or the Fredrick Hebert VFW Post 4158. Troops & Tusks can match you with a veteran who is eager to hunt, learn, and share in the camaraderie of the tournament.