Because of our association with the 500 acre Hartig Park, the Gallatin County Extension Service was approached by Purple Hearts & Heroes to co-sponsor an event at the park. The Purple Hearts & Heroes Foundation is an organization that exists to provide deserving veterans, and the children of fallen veterans, the opportunity to connect, or re-connect with the outdoors through organized outdoor adventures. 

Working in collaboration with the Purple Hearts & Heroes group and the Gallatin County Fiscal Court, Extension coordinated a 4-day deer hunt at Hartig Park. Veterans from all branches of the military and from all over the region came to the park to hunt. Out of state veterans were given special hunting exemptions from the head of the Kentucky Division of Fish and Wildlife to hunt free of charge. Camper trailers and generators were brought in for lodging purposes allowing the veterans to stay comfortably on site. 

10 veterans took advantage of this unique opportunity. In terms of impact, the quote below from one of the participants perfectly encapsulates both the purpose and importance of this event.

"I cannot begin to describe what happened to me on this hunt. Something very therapeutic took place to say the least. Being around the other service members, sharing the stories and the camaraderie and getting back out into the woods was just what I needed. Fortunately I was able to harvest a couple of nice animals on this trip, but that was really just a bonus. This trip was about something way more important than hunting, it was about the healing and fellowship with other veterans."

The Purple Hearts and Heroes Foundation has already expressed and interest in making the hunt at Hartig Park an annual event.