By Tomi Henderson
Special to the Star-Herald
BRIDGEWATER, Maine — For the second year, Smoldering Lake Outfitters was the site of a special hunting group for disabled military members.
While last year saw only five or six hunting permits, this year they had 15 to give to the veterans that were lucky enough to be chosen. Each veteran had a guide and other helpers to take them to various sites where they all were able to take a moose and/or bear.
One of the hunters, Jeromye “Moose” Rogers, spoke to the group about what the hunting experience means to the veterans. A Marine wounded in battle, he was told that his new job was to heal and get better. He was encouraged to think of the craziest thing he’d like to do when he recovered, and he wanted to go on a moose hunt.
This experience was something he said he’ll always remember — having the chance to be in the open and enjoy the camaraderie of the other veterans, hunters, guides and helpers. One of the things he indicated that veterans enjoy is the opportunity to feel “normal” again and be the person they once were.
He and the other veterans expressed their gratitude to the many volunteers who give back and sponsor activities for veterans as they return from their time in the service.
This year’s hunt was photographed and filmed by several people and will be shown on sporting shows in the future. The Outdoor Channel’s “Jim Zumbo Outdoors” was on hand. August Peters was there for the Versus Channel show “Beyond the Battlefield” — shown on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. It should air sometime in the first part of 2012. It may also be shown on “Trophy Quest” on the Outdoor Channel in late October. “Trophy Quest” airs on Saturdays at 10 p.m. and Mondays at 2:30 p.m. Jon Tatum of the Outdoor Channel‘s “Hunting the Country” gave a possible air date of June-August 2012 on Tuesdays at 6 and 9 p.m.
In addition to Smoldering Lake Outfitters and some individuals, this year’s Wounded Warrior event was sponsored by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Maine Veterans Home, Maine State Troopers Association, Sportsmen for Military Families and the AMVETS.
A special donation was made to the House in the Woods by the Yarmouth AMVETS Post 2. The House in the Woods is a special camping experience, located in Lee, that is donated to military veterans and their families. It was founded by Paul House and Bill Emery — fathers who both have lost sons in the fighting in the Middle East and wanted a way to honor the veterans.
