TRIP TO LAGUNA VISTA RANCH (17Mar07):
 When I was contacted by V. A. founder Brian Culp to join him on a hunt in south Texas at Knowlton's Laguna Vista Ranch I was both excited and humbled at the opportunity. I was informed that Mr. Jed Knowlton had donated three Axis doe hunts to deserving U.S. military servicemen.

 

 Upon arrival at the ranch we were met by Mr. Knowlton who graciously welcomed us and made feel right at home. The accommodations were more than adequate and after we settled in we went on a tour of the ranch. I have had my share of invitations to visit many game ranches in my day, and let me tell you that the Laguna Vista is one of the best managed and best kept places around. I knew then that we were in for a very memorable weekend.

 And memorable it was! From the hunting experience to the dining experience. We had good food, good hunts and good conversation. I can honestly say that I haven't been more relaxed in a long time. I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Jed Knowlton, his family, Brian Culp and the all involved with the V.O.A. for their generous contributions to out service men and women. You are all great Americans!!  May God bless you and the organization.
 

Christopher W. Wood Spc, USA

TRIP TO LAGUNA VISTA RANCH (17Mar07):
 "I just recently I had the pleasure to go hunting with Brian Culp, founder and director of the Veteran Adventures.  I have never seen an organization like this before and am grateful to have had the opportunity to share this great experience.  I was invited by Mr. Culp, and Mr. Jed Knowlton, land owner and manager of Knowlton's Laguna Vista Ranch, to go on a hunting trip for the soldiers in the U.S. Military.  On March 17, myself, Brad Alexander and Chris Woods rode with Brian out to the ranch and met landowner Mr. Knowlton.  Immediately he made us feel at home, welcoming us and giving us lodging at his ranch.  He then drove us out to look at all the different types of animals around the land.  There were elk, axis, turkey, white-tail, and so much more.  Later that evening we had dinner and sat around the fire laughing and talking.  By Sunday morning, each one of us had shot an axis deer!  I had so much fun on the trip I couldn't thank Brian and Jed enough for all that they had contributed and done to create such a memorable trip.  I enjoyed every moment of the trip, learning about one another and getting to know others in the military and what they have done and where they had been.  I think this is a great organization helping and "giving back" to those who have served and as an A1C in the US Air Force, I am proud to be in the military serving our country. May God Bless the Veteran Adventures."

 

                                                                                Pauline Esmeralda Hernandez, A1C, USAF

 As many of you know I was contacted by a fellow "ATer Obsessedlss" a few weeks ago about contributing a hunt to the Veterans Adventures. The VA conducts hunts all over Texas for injured/wounded soldiers that need some time to relax and get away. Knowlton's Laguna Vista Ranch was obliged to contribute to this wonderful cause as our soldiers have given so much for our great country and at times may feel as if civilians back here at home do not appreciate what they have done. Well what better of a way to show our appreciation than to take a few of these hero's outdoors.

 With great anticipation of meeting the soldiers for the first time, I paced around camp awaiting there arrival. At around noon they arrived with smiles on their faces and already expressing their gratitude. We exchanged hand shakes and names at once.

It was my pleasure to meet: VA founder & director, Army Combat Veteran Brian Culp
SPC. Christopher Woods
A1C.Pauline Hernandez
& SSG. Brad Alexander

 We unloaded their gear and made sleeping arrangements. Right away we went for a tour of the ranch atop our "high drive" Excursion and shot the rifles that they would be shooting later in the hunt. We pulled up to a stock tank that I usually use as a target range to shoot the rifles. After making sure that the rifles were sufficient the group noticed a bunch of turtles in the tank so we commenced to target practice. After scaring the daylights out of every turtle in the county we decided to go back to camp and get ready for the evening hunt.

 The group got a snack and ready ourselves for the evening hunt. We decided to hunt safari style so everyone could enjoy the action together. Axis does were on the hit list for this hunt and as luck would have is we couldn't find one to save our lives. Finally while glassing a food plot a single axis doe ran out of the brush behind us and stopped at around 150 yards. We decided to let the Lady shoot first when all the sudden the doe bedded down in the tall grass and all we could see was her ears. After about 10 minuets of cat and mouse she had enough and busted out of the grass for the brush about 225 yards away. The doe now out of Pauline's range, stopped in the thicket and looked at us. Brad decided he could make that shot and he sure enough did. Dropped her in her tracks. So as of now we were one for one....

 After inspecting the beautiful axis doe and exchanging high fives and hand shakes and snapping a few photos, we were off again. We glassed a large herd of axis about 800 yards away and decided to try to make something happen. As we approached we got busted and they didn't hang around in the open. Chris and I stalked up to a sendera where we thought they would cross and sure enough one doe stopped in the clearing just long enough for Chris to make an awesome 250 yard shot The doe was hit hard and we knew she wouldn't go far and sure enough she didn't. So for now the group was 2 for 2.

 Now I know I had mentioned we were gentlemen and the lady was going to shoot first but by now both of the men had harvested their doe and the lady still hadn't shot. The rest of the evening was spent trying to get Pauline within range of an axis doe but we were unsuccessful. That night at camp Brian and Chris whipped up some axis spaghetti while we Rick and I tended the animals. Dinner was fantastic and the stories that came around the campfire that evening were even better. I tell you what, I consider myself an emotionally strong man but listening to some of the stories from the hero's nearly put me in tears. Of course we had our share of laughter as well.

 The next morning we awoke to another great day for hunting in South Texas. Brian cooked up some axis sausage and egg tacos that we quickly devoured. Rick had walked outside to get something from his truck when he looked up and spotted a herd of axis about 350 yards from camp. I quickly got Pauline ready to put on a stalk. We covered a lot of ground and got busted. We then decided to try to get a shot at a blackbuck ewe but could not get one in range. Just as I was about to give up and send this soldier back empty handed Brian spotted a lone axis doe through the brush. Pauline acted quickly and placed a perfect shot right in the shoulder of the animal. After a quick death run the hunt was concluded and we were 3 for 3.

 Mr. Jed Knowlton
 19 March 2007   
Laguna Vista Ranch