Camp Ripley Disabled Veterans Turkey Hunt: Honoring Service Through the Outdoors
Each spring, the Minnesota NWTF State Chapter joins forces with the Minnesota Veterans Outdoors Program to host a special turkey hunt at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota. Held in late April, this event offers disabled veterans the chance to experience the healing and life-changing power of the outdoors through turkey hunting.
The tradition began two decades ago, with the Minnesota NWTF State Chapter and the Minnesota Veterans Outdoors Program launching the hunt to provide disabled veterans with safe, meaningful opportunities to reconnect with the outdoors. Since then, it has become a cherished annual event, with many veterans looking forward to the experience year after year. Today, the NWTF Minnesota State Chapter Super Fund contributes $4,500 annually to support the hunt.
This year’s hunt took place April 29–May 1, with 35 veterans participating. Set on Camp Ripley’s expansive 53,000-acre military training facility, the event led to the successful harvest of 20 wild turkeys over three days.
“The success of this event hinges on the dedication of its volunteers,” said Ralph Warzecha, Minnesota NWTF State Chapter president. “Thanks to their commitment, the program is able to accommodate 35 hunters each year. Looking ahead, organizers plan to recruit 15 additional volunteers, with the goal of expanding the event to serve 50 veterans. For many participants, this hunt represents their best opportunity to return to the field — an experience that is very therapeutic for them.”
Volunteer mentors are the backbone of the hunt, assisting participants with gear setup, ensuring safety and helping process harvested game. All game is registered and cleaned on-site, and veterans are provided with lodging and meals throughout the event — making for a seamless and memorable experience.
Beyond the hunt itself, the event has a lasting impact. For many veterans, it reignites a passion for nature they thought was lost. It also fosters a strong sense of community, as participants bond over shared experiences and a mutual appreciation for the outdoors. Regardless of when or where they served, these veterans are united by their spirit, resilience and love for the outdoors.
Since the program’s inception, more than 3,800 veterans have taken part in its hunts, building lasting memories and friendships.
In addition to the spring turkey hunt, the Minnesota NWTF State Chapter and Minnesota Veterans Outdoors Program also host a disabled veterans deer hunt each October.
Disabled veterans residing in Minnesota who are interested in participating in either the spring turkey hunt or fall deer hunt can apply online through the Minnesota Veterans Outdoors Program website. Participants are selected through a lottery system.
For comprehensive information on the application procedure and additional details about the Camp Ripley hunts, visit the Minnesota Veterans Outdoors website.