by Gentry Hale (originally published in the May-June 2025 issue of Bugle magazine)

For many veterans, the Utah Freedom Hunt is about more than hunting elk—it’s about healing. 

Surprise fell across the faces of five veterans standing in front of the audience at the RMEF Salt Lake City Chapter banquet in October 2024. As the audience erupted in applause, each of the men were gifted Vortex binoculars, a full set of King’s Camo clothing and a CVA Cascade rifle topped with a Vortex Diamondback scope—everything needed for their upcoming hunt. This surprise was only the start of what would be a life-changing experience for many of them: the Utah Freedom Hunt. A few weeks later these five veterans, along with eight RMEF volunteers, left Utah and embarked on a three-day guided hunt on Wyoming’s historic Broadbent Ranch, outfitted by Ted Kimble of R&K Outfitters. The experience was provided to them at no cost by the Utah Freedom Hunt nonprofit which takes veterans who are at least 50% disabled on fully outfitted hunting experiences.  

Founded by Kurt Shephard and JD Rigby, RMEF volunteers of a combined 55 years, the program has been changing the lives of veterans since 2015. Over 40 veterans have participated, thanks to major sponsors like RMEF, King’s Camo, Vortex Optics and Fraughton Meats, which donates free processing.  

For some of the veterans, it was their first elk hunt. Marine Corps veteran JT Bartschi, who served for eight years, had never hunted before but had always dreamed of it. Scott Ware, a 10-year Air Force veteran originally from Pennsylvania, is a lifelong hunter but had never been on a guided hunt. “It was unreal what these guides do,” Scott says, referring to R&K’s guides who donate their time and skills to make the hunt possible. “They don’t get paid for anything. They use their own gas, their own ATVs and their own time.” 

As the hunt began, a massive November snowstorm brought high winds and freezing temperatures, making for difficult hunting conditions. “It was one of the hardest hunts we’ve had for veterans,” says Kurt. Despite the challenges, four of the five hunters killed elk over the weekend. The fifth, Ryan Robinson, experienced a rifle malfunction during his only shot opportunity. But in true Freedom Hunt spirit, his guide, Rick, refused to let the experience end there. The following weekend, Rick took Ryan back out, and Ryan was able to fill his tag. “That just tells you how far these guys go to make sure we have a great time,” Ryan says. For these veterans, the Utah Freedom Hunt is about more than hunting elk—it’s about healing. Many past participants have struggled with isolation and mental health challenges following their military service. “A lot of these guys have been in dark places,” says Kurt. “Some couldn’t leave their houses. Some had given up. But getting them outside, into the mountains, surrounded by people who understand…it helps them.”