Skip to main content

'Wounded Warriors' Bear Hunt Successful

'Wounded Warriors' Bear Hunt Successful
David Rheuark, Petroleum, WV (William Armstrong photo)
David Rheuark, Petroleum, WV (William Armstrong photo)

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A group of wounded veterans recently participated in a special bear hunt in Pendleton and Hardy counties over a three-day period, Sept. 26-28. The nine hunters, seven of whom are from West Virginia, were part of the Wounded Warrior program, organized for the second year by the Potomac Highlands Wounded Warrior Outreach Program.

Participants included Jack Cormac of Letter Gap in Gilmer County; Jerry Flynn of Eleanor in Putnam County; David Rheuark of Petroleum in Ritchie County; Paul Harman of Charles Town in Jefferson County; Tony Smith of Smithfield in Wetzel County; James McCormick of New Haven in Mason County; Gary Sawyers of Daniels in Raleigh County; Robert Behrendt, Erie, Pa.; and Steve Wesley of Lorton, Va.

“The Potomac Highlands Wounded Warrior Outreach Program, working with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and with the support of the local community, especially the land owners and local bear hunters, was able to take nine of our bravest wounded warriors into the mountains to experience the thrill of hunting black bears,” said Bill Armstrong, president and organizer of the Potomac Highlands Wounded Warrior Outreach Program. “Through those efforts, seven of our hunters were able to harvest a great trophy and go away with memories that we hope help to overshadow the pain their wartime injuries have caused them and their families.”

Two of the biggest bears weighed in at 420 and 350 pounds. To show their support for the Warriors, 150 local residents turned out to help celebrate the last evening of the hunt.

“For the second year in a row, West Virginia was able to express our state’s gratitude to our service men and women by hosting a group of Wounded Warriors on a bear hunt,” said WVDNR Director Frank Jezioro. “We at the West Virginia DNR are proud to take part in this wonderful program and look forward to continued participation in the future. “

Later this month the organization will take a group of wheelchair-bound wounded warriors from Walter Reed Hospital to bow hunt deer. For additional information, please call 304-358-2525.




GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass
Fishing

Bass Crash Course: When & How to Use a Lipless Crankbait

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass
Other

Canyon Coolers Outfitter and Pro 85 Hard-Sided Coolers

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass
Gear

BoneZZZ Footwear Spring Selection

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass
Gear

Hawke Optics Vantage IR 1-4x20 and XB30 FFP

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass
Guns

Watchtower Bridger - Hybrid Precision Technology Calls to Mountain Men and Adventure.

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass
Other

Relentless Perpetual Edge Knives

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass
Gear

New for 2025: Streamlight MegaStream USB Hand-Held Flashlight

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass
Gear

New Winchester Ammo for 2025: Long Beard TSS & 21 Sharp

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass
Gear

New From Spypoint: FLEX-DARK And FLEX-S-DARK Cellular Trail Cameras

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass
Gear

Remington Core-Lokt Tipped Lever Gun .360 Buckhammer

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass
Gear

Abu Garcia Revo Premier

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass
Gear

Cashion Icon Bait Finesse Rod

Game & Fish Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Game & Fish App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Game & Fish stories delivered right to your inbox every week.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top Game & Fish stories delivered right to your inbox every week.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use