In March 2007 Aleck Larson with the SD Elk Breeders Association contacted the North Central Chapter PVA about donating an elk hunt to one of our members. Mr. Larson, who is also a veteran, wanted to provide an all expense paid elk hunt to a veteran who uses a wheelchair to participate in this once in a life time chance to hunt elk. The North Central Chapter PVA and the South Dakota Elk Breeders Association held a drawing for members interested in going on an elk hunt. Mike Olson’s name was drawn from the hat in July! On November 12th, Mike along with Vern Boer, of Wild Dakota Outdoor Television, headed west to Wishbone Ranch near Edgemont in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota for this big hunt. The day started out with a tour of Wishbone Ranch and time to meet Ken Cassens, his guide, for the hunt. Then it was off to the range to scope in the rifle and back to the ranch for a home cooked steak dinner before heading out to the elk territory in the rolling hills. After a few hours of spotting and tracking a number of elk, Mike eyed the prize elk he wanted. With just minutes before dusk, Mike was able to get off a clean shot that landed him a whopping 6x6 elk. Wild Dakota filmed this hunt for their television show and is now available on CD. If you would like a copy of this, please contact the North Central Chapter PVA at 800-505-4782. A big thank you goes out to the South Dakota Elk Breeders Association and to Aleck Larson, Ken Cassens and Vern Boer for organizing this outstanding hunt.

November 17-18, 2007, the North Central Chapter PVA, Corp of Engineers, and the SD Game, Fish, & Parks hosted the 2007 Oahe Deer Hunt in Pierre, South Dakota. There were 10 in state and 2 out of state tags issued for this hunt. Everyone headed out early Saturday morning in hopes of getting their deer. The temperatures were once again chilly but that didn’t stop the avid hunters from getting their deer. On Saturday evening, Joann Hemple fed all the hunters and volunteers with an excellent pork loin dinner with all the fixings and homemade desserts at the American Legion. Nearly everyone headed home on Sunday with their deer. Everyone had a great time and this hunt would not be possible without the help of the Corp of Engineers and the SD Game, Fish, & Parks and all of the dedicated volunteers. We look forward to returning to Pierre again next year.

On November 9-10, 2007, the North Central Chapter PVA and the community of Platte hosted a pheasant hunt in Platte, South Dakota. On Thursday evening, approximately 12 disabled huntersgathered at the American Legion for a social hour planning for the next couple of days of hunting. Friday morning, everyone headed to the fields to get their limit of birds. A total of 98 birds were bagged. The community of Platte once again did an excellent job of welcoming our pheasant hunters and hosting this hunt. We look forward to going back again next year and working with this great group of people!

The North Central Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wild Dakota, Birds, Bucks & Berries and the Sioux Falls Storm football team hosted a pheasant hunt for paralyzed veterans and disabled hunters in Parker, SD on Thursday, October 25, 2007. Ten hunters with disabilities, with the help of dozens of volunteers, got their first chance of the season to watch the pheasants fly. As volunteers from Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Sioux Falls Storm walked the fields, the hunters worked as blockers and picked off one bird after another. And while they weren't hunting, the volunteers had just as much fun. "The paralyzed vets group is a bunch of guys that absolutely love being outside. Everybody's having fun today. A lot of jokes being told and stories being told, so a great day all the way around," said Bruce Weller, co-owner of Birds, Bucks, and Berries. The weather was perfect for pheasant hunting. Everyone headed out to the fields around noon to begin harvesting their birds. After their limits were bagged, the hunters headed back to the lodge for an evening meal and auction.  The North Central Chapter PVA would like to say THANK YOU to our Sponsors & Volunteers for supporting this outstanding event. We look forward to going back again next year and working with this great group of people! Sponsors: Birds, Bucks & Berries, Sioux Falls Storm, The Honey Baked Ham Co., Dressen Custom Trailers, Wild Dakota Outdoor Television, & John Morrell, Co-Sponsors: Sportsmen’s Warehouse, Orthopedic Institute, Bayer Built, Heartland Glass, Center for Sports and Athletic Medicine, Chesapeake Construction, Imagenation, Hair by Stewarts, Central Co-op, Heather Ridge Pet Hospital, & IMED Mobility Sales.