The Top 7 Types of Hunting for Veterans and Why They’re Beneficial

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be challenging in different ways for different veterans. Many face very real challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, and a loss of a sense of purpose after leaving the structured and intense environment of military service. 

For some, hunting has proven to be a powerful therapeutic tool, offering a sense of calm, focus, and even camaraderie. For that reason, we decided to explore the very best forms of hunting that can be especially beneficial for veterans, providing both mental and physical relief and stimulation.

1. Bowhunting for Veterans

First on our list, bowhunting is an excellent option for veterans because it taps into many skills acquired while serving in the military. 

Like so many military operations, bowhunting requires precision, patience, and intense focus. The quiet, meditative nature of bowhunting can also help veterans reduce anxiety and stress, offering a peaceful escape from bustling everyday life.

For veterans dealing with PTSD, the discipline required in bowhunting provides a constructive outlet to channel their energy, helping them focus on a new, challenging task that requires all of their attention. It also allows them to hunt without the need for a firearm, which might be something that could be a PTSD trigger for some veterans.

The act of drawing the bow, aligning the shot, and releasing it takes immense concentration, helping to clear the mind and bring a sense of purpose to the moment. Archery in bowhunting also enhances motor skills, balance, and hand-eye coordination, reinforcing the discipline they already possess.

In essence, bowhunting can help veterans reconnect with the tactical skills they’ve mastered during service, while still offering moments of tranquility in nature.

2. Deer Hunting: Tactical Tracking and Patience

Next on our list is deer hunting, one of the most popular forms of hunting worldwide. Deer hunting is yet another activity that, in some ways, closely mirrors many aspects of military life. 

Veterans are trained to be patient, wait for the right moment, and rely on stealth when tracking an enemy. These skills transfer seamlessly into the world of deer hunting, where a tactical approach is required to outwit the deer.

Veterans can use their military reconnaissance and tracking expertise to predict deer behavior, observe patterns, and optimize their approach. The patience required in deer hunting not only helps veterans master their fieldcraft, but also allows them time to decompress in nature, away from the stresses of civilian life.

Lastly, deer hunting rewards those with perseverance. Successfully tracking and harvesting a deer is a tangible accomplishment that can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of pride for veterans, which is important for veterans seeking purpose in their lives away from deployment.

3. Upland Game Hunting: Camaraderie and Physical Activity

Upland game hunting, such as hunting pheasants or quail, helps bring veterans into a group setting where camaraderie and teamwork play an essential role. 

Countless veterans miss the bonds and relationships formed with their fellow soldiers, and something like group pheasant hunts offer a chance to reestablish those connections and work with a group of other hunters to accomplish a shared goal.

Hunting with friends or other veterans provides a shared experience, often filled with teamwork and group coordination, which is again, very much like what they experienced in the military. The physical demands of upland hunting, which can often involve hiking and managing equipment, also help veterans stay active, contributing to both mental and physical health.

Hunting in groups can be highly beneficial for mental health, helping veterans combat isolation and build strong social connections. In a lot of cases, veterans have worked to form hunting groups where they can share experiences, work together toward common goals, and support one another outside of the world of hunting.

4. Waterfowl Hunting: Connection with Nature

The sport of waterfowl hunting offers veterans a deep connection with nature, often in tranquil settings such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands. 

This form of hunting can be almost a therapeutic experience, as veterans immerse themselves in serene natural environments. The calming effect of water and the stillness required during a hunt can promote relaxation and mental clarity.

Just being out on the water can also serve as a form of mindfulness practice, allowing veterans to focus on the present moment while temporarily setting aside any worries or stresses. The act of waterfowl hunting often requires stillness, waiting for the right opportunity to make a move, which is akin to a quiet meditation that helps alleviate mental tension.

For veterans, waterfowl hunting can be an escape into the peace of nature, offering a chance to unwind and reconnect with themselves while appreciating the natural world.

5. Big Game Hunting: A Sense of Challenge and Accomplishment

Many veterans thrive in challenging environments, and big game hunting delivers just that. 

Pursuing larger game such as elk, bear, or moose provides a physically demanding experience that tests both mental and physical resilience.

Big game hunting often requires long treks through difficult landscapes, as well as advanced endurance and navigation skills, which are attributes that veterans already have from their time spent in the military. 

At the very core, the sense of accomplishment that comes with taking down a large animal can bring a strong sense of achievement and pride, which many veterans crave after leaving the structured military life.

Moreover, big game hunting can be a solitary, introspective experience, allowing veterans to reconnect with their inner strength and determination to accomplish a difficult task. The process of planning and executing a big game hunt parallels many aspects of military operations, making it a deeply satisfying pursuit for most veterans.

6. Turkey Hunting: Tactical Patience and Precision

Now, turkey hunting demands a certain tactical patience, stealth, and timing, making it another great hunting option for veterans. 

The slow, deliberate movements required in turkey hunting align with the skills veterans have developed through a wide variety of military training. Patience is extremely important when calling or waiting for turkeys, as even the slightest mistake can alert the birds.

Veterans can apply their tactical thinking to set up ambushes, use camouflage effectively, and shoot with precision. The challenge of outsmarting a turkey, combined with the patience required, makes this type of hunting both mentally engaging and physically rewarding.

For many veterans, turkey hunting brings back the thrill of tactical precision they enjoyed during service, while also giving them time to reflect and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

7. Predator Hunting: The Tactical Apex Hunt

Predator hunting, particularly when discussing species like coyotes or mountain lions, is a challenging pursuit that, again, demands advanced tracking, patience, and precision. These are all skills veteran likely have mastered.

Predator hunting also allows veterans to participate in conservation efforts in some cases by controlling predator populations that can disrupt ecosystems.

The thrill of predator hunting, where one must remain hyper-aware and rely on survival instincts, can bring back the high-adrenaline experiences veterans are used to from their military days. While this may be a turn-off for certain veterans, others can greatly benefit from an experience like this.

It’s a physically demanding and mentally engaging activity that can provide a profound sense of accomplishment when successful. Additionally, predator hunting offers a way for veterans to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts, further adding purpose and meaning to their life outside of service.

Why Hunting is Therapeutic for Veterans

At the end of the day, hunting serves as more than just a recreational activity for veterans. 

It provides therapeutic benefits, helping to manage PTSD, reduce anxiety, and offer a sense of purpose in life other than serving the country. Each type of hunting offers its own unique advantages, from building camaraderie and staying physically active to finding peace in nature or tackling challenges that equate to situations they have faced while in service. 

By engaging in hunting, veterans can reconnect with skills developed and valued during service while still finding solace and achievement in the wilderness. Whatever challenges or needs a veteran might face, there is a form of hunting that can fit the bill to help improve that individual’s life.