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

Henry Provider And Protector
Henry Provider And Protector

First Look: Henry Provider and Protector Rifles

Whoever is behind the Henry Repeating Arms wheel these days needs to be given their own set of keys. The boys in Rice Lake have just announced two new product families of lever-action rifles: Protect and Provide.

New for 2026: Upgraded Benelli M2 Field

Used across waterfowl marshes, turkey woods and upland cover, Benelli's M2 pairs dependability with responsive handling—built to perform in demanding environments while remaining light enough for all-day, on-the-move hunting.

First Look: Remington "Don't Tread on Me" Ammo Buckets

In keeping with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Remington has announced the release of its ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ ammo buckets.

Traditions Firearms Outfitter G3 Line Now Includes 400 Legend

Traditions Performance Firearms has added another straight-wall hunting cartridge to its Outfitter G3 lineup in 400 Legend.

New for 2026: Millennium Treestands Deadlok Carbon Shooting Stick Tripod

Millennium Treestands has launched the DeadLock Carbon Shooting Stick Tripod. Engineered for stability and versatility, this tripod provides a platform for hunters, shooters and outdoor photographers.

New For 2026: Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8x24 Riflescope

Trijicon has come back to the rugged AccuPoint for 2026, this time with an 8X zoom range, wide field-of-view and all the robust qualities tho make this one ideally suited for Africa's Dangerous Game species.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.