The Longbow crew headed north to the wilderness of Manitoba, Canada, for an unforgettable five-day bear hunting adventure with two U.S. Army veterans—one already retired from military service and the other an Apache helicopter pilot preparing for retirement. Thanks to the generosity of one of our incredible supporters, the veterans were treated to a private lodge surrounded by beautiful Canadian scenery and the opportunity to experience a true backcountry bow hunt.
The days were spent scouting for bears, hiking miles through the woods, and patiently waiting in tree stands with bows in hand, hoping for an opportunity to get close enough for a shot. When they weren’t pursuing bears, there was no shortage of adventure. Between snowmobile rides through the Canadian wilderness and walleye fishing that produced an incredible number of fish, the trip offered plenty of excitement and a chance to enjoy everything the great outdoors had to offer.
The highlight of the hunt came when a massive 500-pound black bear stepped within just 20 yards, providing an incredible bowhunting opportunity and a successful harvest that none of us will soon forget!
As memorable as the hunting and fishing were, some of the best moments came during the downtime between adventures. Whether sitting around the lodge, sharing stories after a long day in the woods, or enjoying time together on the water, the conversations naturally turned toward life after military service. We learned that one veteran had a fairly clear vision for his next chapter, while the other was still trying to figure out what direction he wanted to take. Having two veterans at different stages of that journey made for some meaningful conversations, with each able to share experiences and perspectives that helped the other.
Over five days, what started as a bear hunt became an opportunity to build lasting friendships, gain some clarity about the future, and make memories in one of the most beautiful places imaginable. Between the incredible fishing, snowmobile adventures, miles in the woods, and a 500-pound bear taken with a bow, Manitoba delivered an experience these veterans will never forget!
