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

25 RPM
25 RPM

New for 2026: Weatherby .25 RPM

For 2026, Weatherby has extended its cartridge line with the addition of the .25 Rebated Precision Magnum, the third in the series.

Waterfowl Hunting on a Shoestring Budget

Want to get into waterfowl hunting, but on a tight budget? Try these tips to get into the action this year and have something to show for your efforts!

Sierra Bullets 2026 Lineup

Last month, Sierra Bullets announced its 2026 new product lineup. Beginning in early 2026, all new products will be available at stocking dealers, major retail sporting goods stores, their websites and SierraBullets.com.

Franklin Armory Introduces Total Round Control Prevail Bolt Action

Franklin Armory's TRC action is designed to control each round through the entire feeding-chambering-firing-extraction-ejection cycle, so nothing is left to chance, eliminating the Push Feed (PF) versus Controlled Round Feed (CRF) dilemma.

Top 10 Rimfire Loads for Hunters

Phil Massaro loves rimfire rifles of all shapes and sizes, and enjoys the majority of rimfire cartridges available. Here is his top ten of the latter, in no particular order.

Tips for Waterfowl Hunters to Safeguard Against Bird Flu

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a reminder for waterfowl hunters that applies throughout the nation. Following a few simple step can protect yourself and domestic animals from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is commonly known as bird flu.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.