September 20, 2019

Manchin Supports Annual Veterans Bear Hunt

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today assisted the Potomac Highlands Wounded Warriors Outreach 9th Annual Bear Hunt, set to take place this weekend on the George Washington-Jefferson National Forest. Richard Ogden, Vice President of the Potomac Highlands Wounded Warriors Outreach, has been working with the Forest Service for months to set up the event. 

“I reached out to the U.S. Forest Service as soon as I learned that our Veterans needed assistance to hunt on our public lands, and I’m glad to have helped these brave Veterans as they prepare to enjoy the long tradition of hunting in the beautiful mountains of Pendleton County,” said Senator Manchin. “West Virginians and people across our nation should be able to enjoy hunting and recreational shooting while enjoying the outdoors. West Virginia has more Veterans per capita than most any other state, and it is an honor and privilege to help our Veterans in any way I can.”

The special hunt on the George Washington-Jefferson National Forest gives wounded Veterans the opportunity to harvest a bear and enjoy the pastime of hunting with fellow Veterans.

Senator Manchin helped to ensure the wounded veterans could use Forest Service roads to more easily access the hunt area. Many wounded warriors would have tremendous difficulty without access to roads to participate in this event.

“We greatly appreciate the support of Senator Manchin and his staff because this would not have happened without his help,” said Ogden. “Last year we harvested a 405 pound bear, and not all of our wounded Veterans were able to carry the bear more than a mile to the gate. I’m thankful that Senator Manchin cares so much about our Veterans and was able to help make this an experience that these Veterans will remember for the rest of their lives.”

An opening ceremony for the bear hunt will take place Sunday, September 22, 2019, at 4 p.m., at the Sugar Grove, WV VFW Park.