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

LEDE LCO Pro F2
LEDE LCO Pro F2

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has launched its LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight, combining optical clarity, reliability and purpose-built features in a full-sized red dot.

Member's Best 2026

I am heartened by this year’s entries. In addition to fabulous photographs, almost all of you delivered exceptional narratives of your hunts. We used your very words wherever possible because it’s an honor to see you all rise to such an occasion as sharing a special moment with your fellow hunters. You now know a little bit about what drives an outdoor writer. —J. Scott Olmsted, Editor in Chief

New for 2026: Vortex Crossfire II

Available with either a red or green dot, the Vortex Crossfire II Red Dot lineup brings added function to the Crossfire series.

USFWS Proposes New Grizzly Bear Management Rule

On July 17 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposed rulemaking change on the Federal Register that, if approved, would allow western states to better manage their grizzly bear population. Despite their burgeoning population the big bruins remain on the “endangered” list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a fact that has paralyzed regional conservation efforts, impacted other wildlife populations and dramatically increased human/bear conflicts.

Gear Roundup: Summer Shooting Fun

Looking to up your marksmanship skills this summer, or just plink around for fun? Check out this roundup of gear tailor-made for summer shooting fun.

New for 2026: ALPS Mountaineering Micro Air Pump

ALPS Mountaineering has released its Micro Air portable air pump. Compact and convenient, this pump packs a punch of inflation and is small enough to be hooked to a keychain without sticking out. This air pump delivers plenty of power without worrying about a battery going dead because it is connected to an external power bank.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.