Over the past 55 years, local Steve Blackwell has hunted countless times, but until last month, had never hunted as someone else’s guest.
Thanks to the Sgt. Daniel D. Gurr Foundation and a group of helpful volunteers, the Vietnam War Veteran was given that opportunity.
According to Blackwell, plans for for the hunt were made over the summer when representatives from the Foundation attended the Cortez Gun Show free of charge.
Based in Vernal, Utah, the Foundation has sponsored several Wounded Warriors hunts, sent packages to soldiers in Afghanistan and made donations to other Veterans organizations.
Impressed by the show and eager to give back, Foundation representatives asked Blackwell if he would like to take part in a disabled veteran’s hunt free of charge.
Intrigued by the opportunity, Blackwell accepted the invitation and after considering whether to hunt a deer, elk, turkey or pronghorn, chose a pronghorn.
I said, ‘I’m about due for an antelope,’ said Blackwell. “They said, ‘well we’re going to take you on an antelope hunt.’”
With the hunt scheduled to take place, Sept. 11-14, Blackwell waited eagerly for a few months before climbing into his truck and driving to McKinnon, Wyo., the site of the hunt. Upon his arrival, Blackwell was greeted by a large support crew, which was prepared to assist in any way they could.
“They paid for my gas and they bought my camouflage and binoculars,” said Blackwell. “They had tents and they me (and one other hunter) up in camp trailers.”
In addition providing food and accommodations, the Foundation was provided with a hunting license, which was furnished by the state of Wyoming free of charge.
“The state of Wyoming has a really neat thing where they furnish free tags to veterans,” said Blackwell. “Both local game wardens showed up to thank us. It was really nice.”
After sleeping in a camp trailer on the evening of Sept. 11, Blackwell began hunting out of a side-by-side quad on Sept. 12.
Accompanied by one other hunter, a guide and members of his support crew, Blackwell located a herd of roughly 300 pronghorns. Soon after, the longtime hunter sneaked into position, located his target and made his kill.
While the kill was like others Blackwell had made over the years, the veteran said that it was particularly rewarding given its circumstances.
“This was the first time in 55 years that somebody had ever taken me on a hunt,” said Blackwell. “These guys showed support and love.”
Now roughly three weeks removed from his hunt, Blackwell is hoping that his story will inspire other veterans to pursue a similar experience.
“I want to try to get this area more involved with (disabled veterans hunts) and with the (Foundation),” said Blackwell. “If there’s anybody who is 50 percent or better disabled, they can fill out an application and the (Foundation) will take them on.”
As for the potential value of a Foundation hunt, Blackwell said that it could help heal long-lasting wounds.
“Especially the Vietnam veterans, when they came back, they were greeted harshly,” said Blackwell. “It can be really nice to (go on a hunt) and receive a special thanks.”
