Why 23 Veterans a Day Inspires the Tournament

The feral hog tournament was created with a simple, urgent truth in mind: about 23 veterans a day are lost to suicide in this country. By gathering hunters, veterans, and volunteers together, the event offers a day of camaraderie, purpose, and tangible support that can help counter the isolation many veterans feel.

Hunting the hogs on private land gives each veteran a chance to be part of a team, to focus on a shared goal, and to see immediate results. The physical activity, the rhythm of the hunt, and the fellowship of the crew provide a healthy outlet that can lessen stress and reinforce a sense of belonging.

At the same time, the tournament tackles a serious local problem. Feral hogs cause about 76 million dollars of agricultural damage in Louisiana each year, destroying crops and threatening wildlife. By removing hogs, the event protects farms, preserves habitats, and reduces the financial burden on the community.

The harvested hogs are skinned and the meat is sent to food kitchens, families in need, and the veterans themselves, turning a hunt into a direct act of giving. Proceeds support Fredrick Hebert VFW Post 4158, Hero Hunts, and other veteran assistance programs, ensuring that every participant helps both the land and the people who have served it.