The frantic barking of the hounds was getting closer.
I could feel the sensation of the hunters’ adrenaline kicking in — the ancient, visceral, hunters-to-hounds pull that there is no denying. Call it instinct or whatever you want to, but it is there. If you are a hunter, you cannot resist this call, and you wouldn’t want to; it is in your blood, and you press onward.
I glanced over at Joe as we plowed through the briers and fallen trees in our path. We were both struggling, but there was no way we were going to stop. The baying of the hounds was much closer now.
How do we say thank you to our military veterans who have seen combat (especially those who have been wounded in battle)? I am not sure that I am right about any of this, but it seems that a simple “Thank you for your service” may not be enough.
I happen to know a great group of bear hunters, natural resources law enforcement officers and other volunteers who have found a way to say thanks in a little different manner. For at least the past 14 years, this group of dedicated bear hunters and game wardens have given their time, blood, sweat and tears to make a special hunt happen. Sponsoring and helping with all this has been the wish-granting charity United Special Sportsman Alliance.
USSA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that specializes in sending critically ill and disabled youth as well as disabled veterans on an outdoors adventure of their dreams, free of charge.
USSA is composed of a 100% volunteer staff from all walks of life, bonded together by a common love for our fellow man and deep respect and appreciation of our world’s natural resources. Working cooperatively with caring “adventure” donors as well as generous individual and corporate sponsors, this charity significantly impacts the lives of thousands of children, disabled veterans and their families. Through these valuable efforts, the image of sportsmen is enhanced in the public eye, and lifelong friendships are made.
(You can find out more about USSA at childswish.org.)
(READ MORE: Going on a bear hunt is special for these two veterans)
I have been there on most of these hunts, so I have seen it. I have seen the excitement in the eyes of veterans and young people who have participated in bear hunts with hounds right here in good ol’ Monroe County, West Virginia.
“It’s a way for us to try to give back to our military veterans who have been wounded in battle defending our country,” said Sgt. Andy Lyons of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Section.
Sgt. Lyons has been an integral part of this hunt and gathering since its inception lo those many years ago. He is the trail boss for the DNR side of this endeavor, organizing officers in helping with logistics and transportation and the many other concerns it takes to make this hunt happen.
Along with Sgt. Lyons, on the bear hunter side of this outing is Kish Justice from White Sulphur Springs, who is the organizer and contact person. If there is someone more passionate about running bears with hounds in this country than him, I don’t know who it is.
(READ MORE: Mountaineer spirit is strong in young bear hunters)
Present on this hunt was the aforementioned Joe — specifically, Joe Wesner from Mansfield, Ohio, a veteran of 14-plus years in the U.S. Army.
“I deployed multiple times between Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. I was medically retired in July 2014 due to injuries I received during combat operations in Afghanistan,” he told me.
After a successful hunt, he described the experience like this:
“Standing over that bear was something I’ll never forget. The hunt was fast-paced and unfolded quickly as the dogs struck a scent and carried it through the woods, their voices steady and purposeful as the chase developed. When they finally treed the bear, everything grew quiet in a different way. I felt calm, focused, and deeply present.
“That’s why hunts like this are so powerful for veterans. The outdoors has a way of stripping life down to what truly matters, creating space to breathe, reflect and reconnect. Whether it’s the intensity of the hunt or the quiet afterward, these experiences help restore confidence, rebuild purpose and strengthen brotherhood. For many veterans, it’s not about the harvest — it’s about healing, grounding and being reminded that they are still capable, still connected and still moving forward.”
The other hunter for this day was Justin Graves from Council Bluff, Iowa, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
“I was in the infantry and have a Purple Heart from getting shot while on a patrol in Afghanistan,” he said.
And like Joe, Justin had a successful hunt:
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to come out for the bear hunt. I was with Buzz in his truck, tracking the dogs and listening to the radio chatter for like 30 minutes. Next thing you know, I jump out and jump into Bill’s truck. We then climb up the hill (on my hands and knees because it was so steep and slippery), we both get caught in thorn bushes and get pretty tore up. I’m trying to stay behind Bill; his ear gets torn from a thorn, and I get trapped in the brush. I had to claw and rip my way out.
“Eventually I get to the top of the hill, and when I crest the hill, I see a decent-sized bear sitting on the ground, surrounded by dogs. He couldn’t have been more than 15-20 feet away. Bill said, ‘When you feel comfortable and the dogs are out of the way, take the shot!’ I sighted in several times, but the dogs kept getting in the way, and I didn’t want to risk it. Finally, after a lot of back and forth with the dogs, I was able to take the shot.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity, for Kish, Buzz, Bill and everyone involved. I was thankful for the bear, and it all turned out better than I expected. I will always cherish that experience. Thank you, God, and everyone involved. I will forever be grateful.”
Thank YOU, Justin and Joe, for everything.
“Guns & Cornbread” is written by Larry Case, who lives in Fayette County, W.Va. You can write to him at larryocase3@gmail.com.