HAVA Hosts Native American Marine Veteran on Bison Hunt

by
posted on April 8, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
main-buffalo-hunt.jpg
Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) had the privilege of hosting retired/disabled Marine veteran Tray Ardese on a bison hunt, at the Dismal River Club in Nebraska.

Tray Ardese, is a Native American from the Choctaw tribe, a retired United States Marine with 25 years of service, and an avid hunter.  He said “This was my first opportunity, but I always knew God would provide a way for me to hunt buffalo. It just never materialized until this hunt and I am so grateful to HAVA.”

In the Sandhills area of Nebraska, along the Dismal River, retired National Football League player and Nebraska native, John Howell, hosted the hunt with Dismal River Outfitters at the Dismal River Club. A restored and now self-sustaining herd of bison make these rolling prairie-land hills their home.  Each year only a few bison are harvested for herd management. Ardese’s hunt, as can be seen below, was a successful one.

Buffalo downed in front of three hunters

HAVA’s outreach manager, Heath Gunns who was there to support the hunt said “HAVA is extremely grateful to John and the Dismal River team for the work they do to help preserve the American bison; and for this amazing and very select opportunity for a veteran to pursue such an iconic animal. We are so pleased to be a part of bringing Tray on this hunt.”

For more on HAVA, check out honoredveterans.org.

Latest

W H2026 06 Hardware W3819 TAH 8193Lead
W H2026 06 Hardware W3819 TAH 8193Lead

Hardware Review: Leupold VX-4HD

Matt Foster reviews the Leupold VX-4HD 4-16x50mm CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter.

First Look: ScentLok Savanna Fuse Warm Weather Quarter Zip

Early-season whitetail hunting is a mental and physical grind against the thermostat. ScentLok's Savanna series has long served as the blueprint for warm-weather concealment, and its latest iteration—the Savanna Fuse 1/4 Zip—continues that tradition.

HIVIZ Shooting Systems Celebrates 30 Years of Innovative Excellence

HIVIZ Shooting Systems, a leader in high-visibility sight solutions, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 1996, the company has offered products that improve sight visibility and performance through cutting-edge fiber-optic and tritium-based systems.

Know How: Prairie Dogs for Practice

Use a dog town to warm up for big-game seasons, test gear and more.

Heritage Outdoor Group Acquires Badlands

Heritage Outdoor Group ("Heritage") has announced the acquisition of Badlands, a hunting backpack, gear and apparel brand, from W. C. Bradley Co. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

#SundayGunday: Winchester 250th Anniversary Ammunition

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a walk down memory lane, celebrating Winchester Ammunition and its salute to the greatest 250 years a country has ever lived. This limited-edition run of USA 250th Anniversary Edition ammunition pays homage to the red-blooded Americans who sacrificed themselves for the betterment of a nation.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.