In May of 2011, Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures sponsored 4 injured veterans on all expenses paid bear hunting trips to Saskatchewan. None of the four soldiers had ever been bear hunting, so it was a real treat to see how excited these guys were when they arrived in camp.

The first group contained Dan Scott and Ramsey Bellisle of the Canadian Army.  This was Dan’s first time hunting any big game animal, but now he is “hooked”.  Dan had purchased his first center fire rifle and scope for this hunt and made a great shot with perfect bullet placement on his almost 6 foot black bear.

Ramsey Bellisle also shot a nice black bear and is pictured here (2nd from left) with Cpl. Scott (far left), guide Stan Ballard (2nd from right) and Chairty Hunts Coordinator Gary Goodenow (far right). Ramsey lives only a few hours from our bear camp and has hunted extensively, but this is his first bear.  He said his two children were more interested in him getting video of bears than they cared if he actually shot one.  Ramsey did have some excellent video of a color phase bear which was shot the next week by one of our Marines.

The second week we hosted the two USA Marines accompanied by our friend Tracy Noll.  Sgt. Larimer was the first to connect.  He was hunting for the first time with a bow and arrow.  A perfect shot and a “close to 6 foot” color phase bear only went about 30 feet.  Brent spent the next several days “hanging out” with Stan and Gary.  He said he was enjoying the peace and quiet of not having two young boys around and the no diapers to change was a welcome relief, but he really did miss his beautiful wife who happens to be pregnant with their third son.

Staff Sgt Rose and Tracy waited for the next to the last night and both connected.  SSgt Rose got a nice black bear (far right) and Tracy shot a great trophy as well (far left) - a perfect ending to our spring chairty hunts. Thanks to all those involved in our annual Desert Golf Shootout event who help make this happen with their generous donations!