Disabled vets offered chance to hunt

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners has thrown its support behind an event – believed to be the first of its kind locally – in which disabled veterans will have the opportunity to deer hunt.
Organized by the county’s veterans services director Stoney Summey and parks and recreation director Jaymes MacDonald, the so-called Veterans’ Hunt 2015 will be conducted now through the end of the month.
The event required board action during Tuesday’s meeting, as the hunts will take place on county-owned Cade Lake Park and Campground. The Fawn River Township site closed for the season a few weeks ago.
Summey and MacDonald have a designated team of four guides who will aid prospective hunters. Guides will serve in a one-on-one capacity and a group no larger than four prospective hunters will be allowed at any given time.
Summey reiterated that the opportunity is available to veterans who live in St. Joseph County and have suffered a service-connected disability. Prospective participants must have a valid hunter’s permit or license, and compliance with Michigan Department of Natural Resources laws related to deer hunting will be enforced.
Prospective hunters must register in person with Summey at the veterans services office, located on the first floor at the county courthouse in Centreville.
Summey can be reached at 467-5512.