When it comes to hunting, there is nothing better than quality gear, precision firearms, exceptional guides, and warm hospitality. A network of generous suppliers and good hearted folks provided every one of these components and set the stage for a group of veterans to experience a well-deserved hunting adventure.
On Thursday, September 14, while most people west of the Mississippi slept, two hunters and two cameramen boarded sunrise flights out to Jackson, Wyoming by way of Denver. Veterans Donnie Ferguson (USMC) of Perryville Missouri, and Mike Gimmarro (USAF) of Kansas City, Missouri, along with The Break owner Derek Dirnberger, and Cameraman and fellow veteran, Joe Hoehn, enjoyed a stunning view of the Teton Mountains as they flew in.
They were greeted at the gate by Wyoming resident and conservationist Norma Winder. Norma and her husband, Dan Winder, graciously gifted the mule deer tags. The state of Wyoming allows its residents to transfer their tags to veterans that Veteran Affairs has deemed 50% or more disabled. Following their visit with Mrs. Winder the team headed through beautiful country and drove two hours to Salt River Range Outfitters in Star Valley Wyoming. The team of professionals at this well respected outfitter donated guide service, food and lodging and provided remarkable amenities for the veterans. Matt Harbach, the owner, served as the contact and assisted with organizing the hunting event. In addition, he provided contact with a local taxidermist, Timberline Taxidermy, and a local meat processor, Star Valley Meat Block. These benevolent firms agreed to donate their services to the veterans in the event of a successful hunt.
Salt River Range Outfitters provided an experienced and first-rate guide, Scott, who is affectionately known as Scoot. Scoot’s two boys assisted throughout the trip, and his wife Jennifer cooked for the group. The remainder of the day, they settled in and spent time becoming acquainted with and receiving instruction about the hunting rifles recommended by Salt River Range. The firearms, custom built .338 Edges with Huskemaw optics, are impressive rifles capable of shooting long distances with unprecedented accuracy. Mule deer hunting in Wyoming is extraordinarily challenging and requires both precise firearms and skilled proficiency at extensive ranges to be successful.
In anticipation of a full day, the hunting team awoke and geared up around 4 AM on Friday, September 15. Once they reached the trail head they rode horses up into the mountains until the terrain became too much for the horses to handle. From that point on they climbed on foot through difficult, rocky terrain. Even the most acclimated of athletes has difficulty in elevations up to 10,000 feet. Outfitted with hunting equipment made the trek even more challenging for the veterans. Throughout the morning, they successfully tracked several mule deer, but a fog rolled in and dampened their opportunity. Later in the day, a clearing almost provided an opportunity for Donnie to take out a nice mule deer at a challenging distance of 650 yards. The mule deer got lucky this time. The men returned to the camp around 10 PM to enjoy a much needed hot meal by Jennifer.
Saturday and Sunday mornings rolled around quickly. Motivated to take out a couple of mule deer, the vets were ready to go before sunrise each morning. The hunters were once again right on their game. Despite the quiet strategy of the team, it was as if the deer sensed the hunter’s presence, they silently slipped into the timber, not to be seen again in the daylight.
Both weekend evenings closed on lodge conversation surrounding the elusive deer and challenging hunting conditions. Tracking the deer was just one test, while keeping them in the cross hairs of the scope proved equally as difficult. Still hopeful, the vets headed out for one final hunt on the morning of Monday, September 18. However, the shrewd mule deer, barely perceptible in the terrain, and wired to win any contest against man, evaded the hunters’ scopes once again.
The hunting group returned to camp around mid-day to pack up and head into Jackson, Wyoming. On the way, they swung by Timberline Taxidermy and Star Valley Meat Block to meet the generous owners. Dan and Norma Winder, managers of Elk Country Inn kindly offered to host them on Monday evening. The group enjoyed an entertaining evening and exceptional dinner and show at the Bar J Chuckwagon. The evening of comedy and music was a great way to wrap up a phenomenal trip.
On Tuesday, September 19, the group departed on early flights feeling exhausted but thrilled. Though no deer were taken, it was hard to feel disappointed while enjoying the rugged countryside, black bears and princely mule deer commanding the rolling hills and vast woods. Unparalleled kindness amidst the singular beauty of Wyoming made for an adventure of lifetime.
