By Steve Weisman
Outdoor Editor
The weekend of November 8-9 was a special one for the 27 veterans and their 7 boat captains as they participated in the statewide Delta Waterfowl Veteran Hunt in northwest Iowa. Known as the Duck Hunters Organization, Delta Waterfowl holds its Veteran Hunt each fall to honor and give back to military veterans by providing an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and participate in waterfowl hunting. A total of 4 Marine, 4 Navy, 2 Air Force and 17 Army veterans participated in the 8th annual statewide Delta Waterfowl Veteran Hunt.
According to Nic Hampton, Iowa Senior Regional Director for Delta Waterfowl, participation is typically free or heavily subsidized for veterans, thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers and conservation partners. Transportation, equipment and gear are often provided, ensuring accessibility for all eligible veterans. “Each of our 22 chapters holds an annual banquet, and a portion of the proceeds also go to helping fund the Veteran Hunt.”
The weekend began with a Meet & Greet on Saturday evening at the Lundgren Construction Office on the south side of Oak Hill Outdoors. This was an opportunity for veterans and guides/mentors to learn more about each other and to plan the next morning’s hunt. Hampton noted, “This was a great time to get to know each other and find out what type of hunting the veterans wanted to do. I especially want to thank the Lundgren family for allowing us to hold our Meet & Greet at their facility.”
Of course, much of the discussion centered around the 5” of heavy wet snowfall the Iowa Great Lakes area had received throughout the day on Saturday, which was to be followed by a strong northwest wind and temperatures that were only in the lower 20s for a high on Sunday. However, that’s what waterfowl hunters live for.
Hampton reflected on the day, “What a great day. It was bitter cold, but all our Veteran groups got some birds both on land and on water. It was cool that those on water got to set up close to each other.”
Army veteran, Justin Abernathy shared his thoughts on the day. “I can’t thank you enough. I truly can’t explain enough how much this meant to me and how much I truly needed that. I am so thankful to have found truly amazing friends, especially Justin and Amanda Lea. There is no other hunt conservation organization that creates a fun, welcoming and loving environment like Delta does. Thank you, guys!”
Hampton added, “A special thanks to the Prairie Lakes Delta Waterfowl Chapter for hosting this year and also to the guides/mentors who worked hard to make the day a special one! Also thank you to all the Delta Waterfowl chapters across the state of Iowa that help make this opportunity possible for our veterans. Great times, and it sounds like we made a bunch of new lifetime duck hunters this weekend. A special thank you to all the Veterans who came out to spend time making new friends while hunting some ducks!”
Hampton also reflected, “The Iowa Great Lakes area is one of the best waterfowl management areas in the state of Iowa.”
Looking to participate?
Veterans interested in joining a Delta Waterfowl Veterans Hunt can check the organization’s official website or local chapters for upcoming events and registration information. In addition to the hunting experience, Hampton shared that these hunts serve as more than just the hunt. They offer veterans a chance to reconnect with nature, find peace, and build supportive relationships within the hunting community. Many participants report positive effects on mental health, increased confidence and a renewed appreciation for wildlife conservation.
A “Tip of the Hat” to the local Prairie Lakes Delta Waterfowl Chapter for hosting the event and making sure that the event was a positive experience for both veterans and hunting guides/mentors!
(photo by Nic Hampton) These veterans hunted in the protection of a boat blind.
(photo by Nic Hampton) This group of veterans bagged both ducks and geese in a land hunt.
(photo by Nic Hampton) Action in the blind.
(photo by Nic Hampton) A group photo of 18 of the veterans at the Saturday evening Meet & Greet.
