Just as legal shooting hours started, a lone mallard slipped into the decoys. The shots that were fired did nothing to slow him down, and the green-headed drake put his foot on the gas, and escaped.
Other ducks were not so lucky that day.
This was the start of the first annual Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Veterans Waterfowl Hunt at the refuge’s River “S” Unit. Eleven military veterans were introduced to the sport of waterfowl hunting for the first time as part of this celebration of Veterans Day weekend held last Sunday.
Amid blue skies and cold temperatures the newcomers, paired with local hunters and guides, had a good time and got plenty of shots at a mix of mallards, pintails, gadwalls, and more. The action was steady and lasted all morning.
The participants harvested good numbers of ducks, but more importantly, they learned a lot about the sport, the refuge, and had a good time.
Secretarial Order 3356 of the Pacific Region directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to increase hunting, fishing and recreational opportunities on public lands. The Ridgefield refuge is managed by the agency, and spearheaded the event.
The agency teamed up with the Lower Columbia Chapter of the Washington Waterfowl Association (WWA), which played an essential role in organizing the event. They found the guides and held a special dinner for the veterans at the Sportsman Steakhouse in Ridgefield.
The guides for the hunt included members of the WWA and professional hunting guides.
Everyone met at 5:15 a.m. at the hunter check station for coffee, donuts, and planning. The participants and guides were paired up, and the groups spread out over the marsh to hunt from their appointed blinds.
Dion Hess, a member of WWA and the Community Military Appreciation Committee in Southwest Washington, was paired in the number 19 blind with Justin Boardman, an active member of the U.S. Army Special Forces. As the sun crept near the horizon, a number of ducks made their way into the set. The pair pulled a bird or two out of most of their opportunities.
Boardman is a member of Fallen Outdoors, a support network of veterans that helps other veterans enjoy the outdoors. They are a non-profit with the motto, “Living Our Dreams Because They Gave Up Theirs.” Their stated mission is to facilitate hunting and fishing adventures for veteran’s past and present from every generation and all branches of the military.
“People join the military, leave home and show up to a new base,” said Boardman, “They have zero idea of what to do, where to hunt, where to fish or what the rules are. Through the network they can reach out to us, and we take them hunting completely free. Eventually they will learn it on their own.”
In hunting, Boardman hopes veterans can find a sense of peace.
“We are facing an epidemic,” he said. “There are 22 suicides among vets every day. This is 100 percent the kind of therapy they need.”
Hunting guide Michael Horne of S2 Outfitters was hosting a married pair of longtime veterans. Douglas and Jennifer Hawkins, who have a combined 32 years of military service. They are seasoned deer and turkey hunters, but had never hunted waterfowl before.
The couple was clearly enjoying themselves. They both displayed a strong command of how to handle a shotgun, and ended up with 11 ducks for the day.
The event is part of the USFWS commitment to recruitment, retention and reactivation of hunters and anglers.
“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has increased hunting, fishing and recreational opportunities on public lands these veterans served to protect,” said Robyn Thorson, Pacific Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a news release. “We can’t think of a better way than to honor these veterans on Veterans Day than by introducing them to waterfowl hunting and this fantastic urban National Wildlife Refuge.”
“We hope today is the first in a long tradition of waterfowl hunts that expand to include more veterans over the years.”
Brent Lawrence, a public affairs officer for the Portland office of the USFWS, was pleased with the event.
“I’m very excited about the turnout and the numbers of veterans we were able to introduce to waterfowl hunting,” said Lawrence. “We will continue to do this into the future, and hopefully it will serve as a model for other refuges to get veterans into the field.”
As the hunters returned from the marshes, they took photos of the day’s success, and enjoyed a barbecue lunch provided by volunteers.
For the community it was a chance to show gratitude for the sacrifices of military members.
For the vets it was a day to forget the stress of military life, and connect with the outdoors. The ducks they took home were but a happy bonus on a day spent enjoying the companionship and camaraderie of a good day in the field.
Supporting Partners: Ridgefield American Legion Post 44, Fallen Outdoors, Community Military Appreciation Committee of SW Washington, Cabela’s, Gerber Knives, Stein Distributing, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Guided trips: S2 Outfitters: 503.750.8271, http://www.s2outfitters.com/
