Veterans gather for 10th annual Chester Woods Park Disabled American Veterans (DAV) hunt

Veterans gathered at Olmsted County’s Chester Woods Park from November 11-13, 2021 for the 10th annual Disabled American Veterans (DAV) deer hunt to enjoy fellowship among their friends and fellow veterans.

After a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chester Woods Park DAV hunt returned.

“It was very disappointing to cancel last year’s DAV hunt, so we were very excited to provide a hunt this year for the veterans. We implemented COVID-19 safety measures for the hunt to help make the hunt successful, healthy, and safe for everyone involved,” said Olmsted County Parks Director Karlin Ziegler. “This hunt is a service opportunity for veterans that Olmsted County is very proud to provide through collaboration with the Mayo Southeast DAV Chapter 28.” 

The hunt was established in 2011 to give veterans the opportunity to participate in the sport, including those who might not otherwise be able to participate due to disabilities. In addition to providing an opportunity to veterans to gather, the DAV deer hunt helps manage the herd, ensuring a healthy deer population and habitat.

To make the event accessible to all veterans, Olmsted County provided resources such as the set-up of deer stands and blinds, field guides, assistance with racking and butchering, and having several track chairs available which allow veterans to go out into fields and through rough terrain. Additionally, 51 sponsors and 40 volunteers helped bring the event to fruition.

Saturday evening the group gathered together to celebrate the 10th anniversary with a banquet and raffle. This year, 28 veterans and four dependents participated in the DAV hunt. They harvested 30 deer.

The participants in the hunt must have a service-connected disability or a Purple Heart to be eligible to participate. The hunt is open to veterans regardless of their place of residence. Participants are also able to include a dependent in the hunt.