The 2026 Big Country Veterans Helicopter Hog Hunt wrapped up Sunday at the Circle Bar Ranch near Truscott.
Seventeen veterans were honored at the four-day event, including two who had lost legs in Afghanistan, according to Tom Cartildge, a former Marine and Texas state representative.
The event is sponsored by the nonprofit Big Country Veterans. Its website said it focuses on helping combat veterans and their families transition to civilian life following their service.
Cartlidge said other nearby ranches allowed use of their land for the event that saw more than 11,000 hogs killed during the hunts.
Feral hogs are considered an invasive species, and Texas law allows year-round hunting with landowners’ permission.
Cartlidge, who is with Olsen-Steltzer Boot Company, said he measured amputee veterans Jesse Cottle and Mark Little for free custom boots to fit their prosthetics.
In addition to the hog hunts, the annual event includes shooting, axe throwing, cookouts and social events, according to the group’s website.
Big Country Veterans also offers health support, wellness retreats and community-building activities to help veterans reconnect and overcome challenges, the website says.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Seventeen veterans took part in the helicopter hog hunt near Truscott
Reporting by Lynn Walker, Wichita Falls Times Record News / Wichita Falls Times Record News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
