Heroes' Harvests is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to provide our Nation’s service members, to include active duty military members, reserve, national guard, veterans, and Gold Star families, a dynamic therapeutic environment through exclusive hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences. We also directly support our community members, in conjunction with outfitters across different states, for transitioning service members who seek a career in the outdoor industry.
Our Mission
Currently, there are ~20 million veterans of the US military and around 2 million active duty, reserve, and National Guard Soldiers. We at Heroes’ Harvests founded this non-profit with the simple idea of using our outdoor experience to help service members deal with the physical and emotional stress that many have endured for years. Our events are tailored to be a dynamic therapeutic environment no matter what battles, emotionally or physically, they are still fighting.
In addition to our outdoor events, we facilitate the Wilderness Guide Training Program; which recognizes the value of military service. It empowers veterans through basic and advanced learning opportunities, preparing each individual with the necessary skills to succeed in a new professional role. A natural intersection exists between the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors and the continuing need for trained professional guides in the outfitting industry.
Outdoor Recreation as Therapy
It is essential to our country and communities that veteran mental and physical health services continue to evolve to help with the management of challenging issues associated with military service. Negative connotations are often attributed to traditional, clinical-based therapy and deter veterans from receiving treatment.
However, recent scientific research suggests group-based outdoor recreation programs can have significant positive impacts. This approach is more likely to pique the interest of veterans since many find nature and recreational programs more appealing than conventional clinical treatments. The physical challenge, goal achievement, and camaraderie found with outdoor activities parallel experiences that make military service profoundly meaningful and rewarding.
Events
Our events consist of either one-on-one or group hunting and fishing experiences across the United States and select countries. These experiences help our heroes reconnect with the outdoors; facilitating healing and personal growth. Our events are led by experienced and certified guides in the outdoor industry.
"I cannot thank Mitch and Heroes' Harvests enough for taking me on the hardest but most rewarding hunt of my life. I was able to forget about the day to day grind and completely focus on being in some of the most inspiring vistas our country has to offer. While I did not get an elk, I did harvest a 350lb black bear for my first archery kill. Highly recommend this organization, you will not be disappointed."
— John, Colorado Archery Bear Hunt, 2021