Testimonial:

Dear Ron,

I wasn't able to go on the hunt that you took Calmon on to Orwell Dam but I want to tell you how very much it means to me that you make accommodations for him to go and that you found him a volunteer to help him with his hunt. You were a God-send the day I found your information on the internet and God has truly blessed our lives with one of his angels (you). Many years went by before we came across the opportunities that you offer and I'm so glad that we found you. You have made each one of Calmon's dreams a success just in the past two years we have known you and we are forever in your debt. I can't begin to tell you how important your organization and all of your volunteers that so willingly give of their time and their talents to help in the hunts are to the disabled. I never would have dreamed that these things were possible until I seen it happen with my own eyes. I want to also tell you that even if Calmon wouldn't have brought home any game on any of the hunts, I still feel that they are successful hunts as he is getting the opportunity to go out and enjoy the sport with others. It allows him to build comradery and memories that he brings home and talks about. He tells me how much he enjoys the people he gets to meet and share stories with and joke around with. Every aspect of the hunt has importance however little it may appear to be. God bless you, Ron Welle, and every single one of your volunteers that participate in these hunts. Let each and every one of them know that you all play a vital role in making a difference in the life of those with disabilities as well as their families. I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for the difference you have made in ours. Thank you and God bless.

News Release


April 18, 2010

Thanks to the Mn. DNR, Calmon Peterson of Blomkest Mn. near Willmar (who is 100% blind ) shot his very FIRST turkey of his life April 18, 2010, at Praire Woods Environmental Center near Willmar Mn.! It was a 7 yard shot there were at least 5 birds (2 toms and 3 jakes) came from behind and literally made them jump off their chairs when they ALL gobbled within 2 feet from them!!

Talk about somebody that was happy-there are not words to explain this. It had a 13 inch beard-1 and one quarter sharp spurs and weighed 23 lbs.

Thank you again ALL of the Mn. DNR staff that has worked so well with us for our hunts that were approved for us. Ron Welle
CEO Midwest Outdoors Unlimited

 


Thursday, December 29, 2011

News Release

Hennepin County U.S. Army Veteran Experiences Elk Hunt

Minnesota Elk Breeders Association (MnEBA), December 29, 2011 – Mike McElhiney, a wounded 21-year veteran of the United States Army, recently undertook a hunt most people only dream of as the recipient of the 5th Annual MnEBA Charitable Elk Hunt. The hunt took place on December 2-4, 2011 and was coordinated by MnEBA. It was sponsored through the generosity of Prairie Hills Elk, Tony’s Trophy Elk Hunt Ranch, Lake Superior Chapter Safari Club International (SCI), Midwest Outdoors Unlimited and Oak Point Elk Farm.

Mike McElhiney is a retired Master Sergeant who began his military career in the Army Infantry just after graduating from high school in 1989. He rapidly rose in military ranks and eventually became the Battalion Assistant Operations Sergeant and Senior Weapons Sergeant for Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 574. Mike’s ODA made history after the attacks on 9-11 as the first team to infiltrate southern Afghanistan, bringing with them the current president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, at the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). On the morning of December 5, 2001, Mike and all of his team members were either killed in action or nearly fatally wounded in a battle north of Kandahar. Mike ultimately lost his right arm as a result of this attack.

Mike now resides in Independence, Minnesota and has a wife and two children. Even though he is retired from active duty, he still continues to actively support veterans through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs where he serves as Legislative Director. Mike loves to hunt and fish and has been hunting since he could “keep up”. Mike says, “I remember my first hunt with my dad. It was small game –rabbits, squirrels and quail. As I recall, I was able to carry my BB gun along. I hunt whatever I have time to hunt now, as well as what I can afford.”

The elk hunt awarded to Mike was something he never thought he’d have the chance to do. “I appreciate it. It’s the trophy of a lifetime, there’s no doubt about it.” Tony Beckel of Tony’s Trophy Elk Hunt Ranch as well as Ron Welle and cameraman LeRoy Weiner of Midwest Outdoors Unlimited accompanied Mike on his hunt. Mike’s adrenalin was pumping all day long when at about 4pm, they stumbled upon the elk lying in the woods. “I’ve shot guns a long time, but the first time you encounter one of these things it’s a whole different story,” Mike said. He went on to say, “I got a shot into him, he stood up; it was kind of a high shot. He gave us the perfect broadside view and I got a good kill into him.” Mike’s guide, Tony Beckel added, “The elk didn’t go even 10 yards after he was shot”.

Mike is thankful to everyone who had a part in granting him the “hunt of a lifetime”. Ron Welle expressed appreciation to Mike for his service to our country with these words, “This is just a little bit of us, we call, giving back to our veterans for what they have given us. I can’t thank you [Mike] enough.” Mike expressed his appreciation of all military personnel who have ever served. “These are the reasons we do it, freedoms we cherish, the reason we go overseas. We’re out here living the dream…just being out here having fun, driving around seeing the scenery, cooking over the campfire, that’s what it’s all about. We’re in no rush, no hurry, and under no threats so I love it.”