Aoudad Hunt With The Independence Fund
By: Kevin Estela
Recently, I had the opportunity to work with The Independence Fund to help get four combat veterans into the field for a once-in-a-lifetime hunting experience for West Texas Aoudad. This experience was powerful and profound. It was the culmination of many companies and individuals coming together for a common cause—one with a mission that isn’t over yet.
I was connected with The Independence Fund through Jason “The Butcher” Nauert. Jason is a former law enforcement officer and a civilian subject matter expert in field butchering who is contracted by the military to teach special forces units how to handle game in austere conditions. Jason was looking for someone with a wilderness survival and bushcraft background. My job wasn’t clearly defined other than to problem-solve when necessary. Sometimes I spotted game, sometimes I chronographed rifles, and other times I simply engaged in technical hunting and outdoor discussions that were in my wheelhouse. Throughout the weekend, I hunted alongside one of the veterans, who was excited to get up into the hills, push through all the vegetation that wanted to hook, scratch, and impale us, and sit patiently for predators, Aoudad sheep, and potentially an axis deer to show up. On the final day, the veteran I hunted with placed a perfect shot on one, dropping it in its place.
One of the most important aspects of the weekend hunt with The Independence Fund was the concept of empowerment. The nonprofit organization provided an opportunity for the veterans to experience a hunt that few get to enjoy. The conversations shared around the campfire and kitchen with like-minded individuals helped those involved expand their circles through networking and connection-making. The empowerment didn’t end when the weekend did. Some of the veterans expressed a desire to hunt more, one wanted to purchase the rifle he used so he could continue using it, and there was even discussion about ways they could help support the next group granted hunting trips like this one. Since The Independence Fund is a nonprofit, it relies on gifts and donations to help its mission succeed. There is far more work to be done. Perhaps this blog will empower readers to contribute—whether by donating time, resources, or another valuable commodity to the cause.
The weekend was made possible by the generosity of so many. Beau, the landowner, provided his family’s property free of charge. He was out on every hunt, serving as an expert guide and spotter. Veronica, a representative from The Independence Fund, was present to provide friendly ribbing and ensure all the “I”s were dotted and “T”s crossed. Product sponsors included Steyr Arms, Vortex Optics, Talley Rings, Defender Ammunition, Eberlestock, and Wiley X. The veterans appreciated the gear provided for their use, and the support staff recognized the willingness of the sponsors, who needed little more than a request to step up and help get our heroes into the field. Since Wiley X provided the eyewear and I blog for them, I asked the veterans about their first Wiley X eyewear issued in the military and the civilian glasses they would take home. They all agreed the civilian glasses were clear, comfortable, and well-made. They also had some colorful memories of their military-issue glasses—stories I enjoyed hearing but will leave for the wilderness to remember.
My relatives survived World War II thanks to veterans. Our way of life has been protected by these men who have served in my lifetime. The armed forces protected us, and now it’s our job to protect them. The Independence Fund uses the expression, “Be a hero for a hero,” and there are many ways you can assume that role. If it interests you, check out independencefund.org to see how and where you can give back.
