FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 30, 2015
Contact: Tom Jones, 734-612-6677
Second annual Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors Liberty Hunt event a success
 Hunters with health challenges from all corners of Michigan joined Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors Sept. 19-20 for a Liberty Hunt event at Sharonville State Game Area in Jackson County. A firearm deer hunt for wounded veterans and others with disabilities, it also marked the first hunt period for the new restricted hunt area at the Pierce Road Unit.
Seven applicants received an access permit to hunt the Pierce Road Unit of Sharonville State Game Area during the Liberty Hunt. Of those seven, five participated in the hunt at the Pierce Road Unit. Seven others participated in the Liberty Hunt elsewhere on the game area, where the Department of Natural Resources and partners have placed accessible blinds and food plots.
One buck was harvested in the Pierce Road Unit 10 minutes into the hunt Saturday, and one doe and one buck were harvested out of the accessible blinds. Many other hunters saw deer but chose not to take a shot. All participants reported beautiful conditions, great camaraderie and new friendships, and many have offered to volunteer their time at future events.
“I would like to thank Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors for providing me the opportunity to make not only a harvest with my grandfather’s shotgun, but for the opportunity to be in the woods again,” said Ryan Haynes, a participant in the Sharonville Liberty Hunt event. “It's been a long time and I am grateful for Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors.”
Hunters participating in this hunt event had access to assistive resources to help facilitate the hunt. Assistive resources secured for this hunt included hunting guides who helped hunters throughout their hunt; tracked wheel chairs; permanent and pop-up blinds; access to approximately 9 miles of mowed trails, and transportation assistance.
“I would like you to know that on the Liberty Hunt (all of the hunts) I enjoyed the accessibility (guides, tracked wheelchairs, and site locations). The freedom of being able to go to the site with dignity deserves my words of gratitude,” said Ray Norris, a Liberty Hunt participant who hunted the Pierce Road Unit. “Most precious to me was the camaraderie between all the veterans/hunters. These hunts give us unity and with unity we give each other strength, understanding and compassion.”
Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors would like to thank the following organizations for their assistance with the Liberty Hunt event:
- Michigan Outdoor Mobility and two private individuals for providing the free use of their tracked wheelchairs for the event.
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After the Impact Program for providing the use of a truck to transport individuals and adaptive equipment during the hunt.
- The Livonia Costco at I-96 and Middle Belt and the East Michigan Avenue Meijer in Jackson (Store #56) for donating breakfast and lunch to the participants, guides and visitors through all the days of the hunt.
Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors will host an Independence Hunt event Oct. 15-18. Space is limited, and participation requires an access permit through a lottery. Please contact program coordinator Tom Jones at 734-612-6677 or tjones@eisenhowercenter.com for more information.
Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors is a cooperative partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Eisenhower Center, Zero-Day, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, Passing Along the Heritage Foundation, Safari Club International Foundation, Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, the Disabled American Veterans, Michigan Outdoor Mobility LLC and more. Its mission is to provide improved outdoor recreation opportunities for wounded veterans and individuals with health challenges, and to coordinate a support network that facilitates their recovery through connecting with nature.
/Editors, please note: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions follow.
Ray Norris with buck: Ray Norris harvested a buck at the Pierce Road Unit of Sharonville State Game Area.
Ryan Haynes with doe: Ryan Haynes harvested a doe out of an accessible blind at Sharonville State Game Area./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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