Backcountry Heroes

BackCountry Heroes (BCH) is dedicated to honoring and recognizing the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, first responders, and their families. We provide elite outdoor sporting opportunities to encourage independence, foster community connections, and promote mental and physical healing. Through camaraderie, a shared passion for the outdoors, and a commitment to conservation, we aim to support their wellness and celebrate their service.

Texas Hunting and Fishing Guides for Veterans

At The Texas Hunting & Fishing Guides for Veterans, we strive to uplift veterans by providing hunting and fishing trips that build self-esteem, foster friendships, and offer healing through the great outdoors.

With the support of dedicated North Texas volunteers, we create opportunities for connection, confidence, and community—helping veterans rediscover joy and camaraderie.

Together, we give back to those who’ve given so much.

Green Suiter Outdoors

GreenSuiter Outdoors is a Texas 501(c)(3) dedicated to connecting veterans, first responders, military families, and underserved youth with the healing power of the outdoors through hands-on recreation and conservation education. We remove barriers—cost, gear, transportation, and safe instruction—so more Texans can experience and steward our state’s lands and wildlife.

Gaylord Sports Association Veteran Events Series (SAVES)

They host two major annual fishing tournaments specifically for veterans with permanent physical disabilities, visual impairments, or PTSD. For the upcoming 2026 season, their schedule typically follows this pattern:

2026 Veteran Fishing Tournaments

  • Spring Tournament (Candlewood Lake): Usually held in May.

    • Application Period: Registration typically opens in March.

    • Location: Danbury, CT.

  • Fall Tournament (Congamond Lake): Usually held in September.

    • Application Period: Registration typically opens in July.

    • Location: Southwick, MA

Tournament Details

  • Format: These are open-water bass fishing tournaments. Each veteran is paired with an experienced angler and boat captain from CT BASS Nation.

  • Cost: The events are offered at no cost to veterans, including equipment, tackle, life jackets, and a luncheon. This is funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

  • Support: The program is organized in partnership with the Major Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program, which often provides veterans with their own fishing gear to take home.

  • How to Apply

Because spots are limited (usually around 25 veterans per tournament) and fill up very quickly, they recommend getting on their email list early.

Take a Warrior Fishing, INC

Warrior Fishing provides Active Duty, Retired and Military Veterans the means to fish for free.

Nestled in the heart North Carolina, Take A Warrior Fishing, Inc. (TAWF) is not just another non-profit. We are a dream realized, a commitment symbolized, and a salute to the indomitable spirit of our military community. As a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization based in North Carolina, our mission transcends traditional gestures of gratitude.

At TAWF, we merge the serenity of fishing with our deep respect for those who’ve donned the uniform, whether active, reserved, retired, or veterans. Through fishing, we provide moments of tranquillity, camaraderie, and joy to the warriors who’ve given so much. By collaborating with generous boat owner/operators, we ensure that every military personnel gets a chance to experience the joy of fishing – absolutely free of cost.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about fishing; it’s about giving back, sharing experiences, and casting lines of hope and unity. For those about the fish, we salute You!

Anglers of Honor

Anglers of Honor provides accessible and therapeutic fishing experiences to:

  • military veterans with physical disabilities and mental health challenges and their family members. We aid in their acclimation to life after active duty.
  • people suffering from spinal cord and traumatic brain injury.

Through the Anglers of Honor program, participants and their families learn the basics of fly fishing, which they get to put to immediate use on premier, private fly fishing waters that have been restored to allow access for people with disabilities.

Our nonprofit organization is part of a larger alliance of entities with complementary missions to serve veterans and other people with disabilities and their family members. This alliance, which provides nearly 100 outings each year, is managed by the River Deep Foundation. We invite you to learn more about Anglers of Honor’s impact in the Foundation’s annual report.

Warrior Impact

Each day, 22 veterans and first responders take their lives due to the pressures felt from post-traumatic stress, and more than 800,000 of them are suffering from PTS right now.

Warrior Impact leads the charge against this phenomenon throughout the Pacific Northwest. Based in Central Oregon, we connect our nation’s Warriors with needed resources, and encourage them to engage in the Warrior Impact program and other events geared toward curbing the devastating effects of psychological trauma.

By getting these heroes the support and resources they need to regain their footing and rebuild their lives, we hope to see the staggering numbers of those impacted by PTS eradicated.

Brave Souls United

Our mission is to create a safe space away from the noise of society where veterans can share their stories, reconnect with nature, and find the support they need to overcome trauma, PTSD, and the burdens of combat and, most importantly, prevent suicide.

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