Purple Heart Veterans Harvest Moose At SCI Alaska Chapter Hunt
The Safari Club International Alaska Chapter’s 2025 Warriors on Safari DM795 moose hunt recently ended with all six 100% disabled Purple Heart veterans once again successfully harvesting a bull moose.
The weeklong hunt, held in early September, is made possible through a longstanding partnership between the Safari Club International Alaska Chapter and local community members who come together to honor America’s combat-wounded veterans.
Each year, six coveted DM795 moose tags are awarded through the Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s lottery draw system exclusively to 100% disabled veterans who have received the Purple Heart, the military’s recognition of those wounded in combat. With the support of the SCI Alaska Chapter, these hunters are invited to participate in a fully supported moose hunt that covers their expenses for travel, lodging, hunting licenses, taxidermy and full meat processing free of charge.
This year’s hunt welcomed four non-resident veterans and two Alaska residents, all of whom successfully harvested their moose within the first four days of the season, continuing the program’s impressive 100% harvest success rate.
The hunters were hosted at a rustic backcountry camp, where they were supported by a full volunteer staff of experienced community members and active-duty soldiers from the 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Fort Greely, who played a vital role in ensuring field success and safety.
“It is our goal as volunteers to make this an unforgettable, authentic Alaskan hunt,” said First Sargent Justin Taylor. “This year, I had the privilege of escorting Corporal William Hampton on his hunt. William and I were stalking a massive bull moose when the quiet of the Alaska wilderness was shattered by the bone-chilling roar of a grizzly bear. In an instant, the bull we had been tracking bolted, only for us to realize that the huge bear had launched onto its back. For nearly 10 minutes, William and I watched in awe and disbelief as the bear brought down what was meant to be William’s moose. This was the definition of a once-in-a-lifetime true Alaskan experience,” he added.
The program’s mission goes beyond the hunt itself, as it offers wounded veterans an opportunity to experience the healing power of nature, forge meaningful bonds with fellow service members and take part in an iconic Alaskan adventure. For many, the week offers a rare blend of camaraderie, peace and renewed purpose.
“Watching these heroes connect with the land and with one another is what this program is all about,” said Louis Cusack, Executive Director of the SCI Alaska Chapter. “We are honored to give back in a way that reflects the gratitude Alaskans feel for their service and sacrifice. Our Warriors on Safari Program is part of our humanitarian mission as we believe in supporting our community and our veterans through various outdoor education programs, youth team sponsorships and donations to local food banks.”
The success of the 2025 hunt was made possible through generous support from SCI Alaska Chapter, donations from Cabela’s, Maven Optics, Alaska Game Bags, Kuiu and Kifaru, as well as in-kind donations from Delta Meat & Sausage Co., Airport Equipment Rentals, Fort Greely, Delta Medical Transport, Patti Carson & Delta Country Store, Rustic Blends, Granite View Sports, Delta Rent-a-Can, M2 Integration, NLogic, Interior Hardware, Ruth Benson & The Alaska Pioneers Igloo 19, community supporters and a dedicated team of volunteers who handle logistics, transportation, food and camp maintenance. Their efforts ensure a seamless and memorable experience for each veteran who attends.
By Kathryn Steele
For more information about the Warriors on Safari Program or to donate in support of the program, please visit: aksafariclub.org/sci-alaska-chapter-warriors/