COLUMBUS, Ohio — A group of 14 Ohio veterans were gifted with a guided archery hunt at Zaleski State Forest by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources earlier this month.

Multiple divisions of the ODNR partnered with the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee to prepare an opportunity to hunt white-tailed deer.

Veterans who applied to take part in the hunt attended the event for free.

“This was a great weekend spent with some outstanding people,” Chief of the Division of Forestry Dan Balser said. “ODNR is honored to be able to provide this opportunity as we thank and support the men and women who have served our country.”

Volunteers aided the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee to support the veterans with their hunt and provide meals, lodging and equipment.

Nine deer were harvested between Oct. 14 and Oct. 16.

“We are pleased to partner with the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee and its volunteers to honor our veterans,” Zaleski State Forest Manager Courtney Cawood said. “Many lifelong memories and friendships were made over the weekend and the camaraderie was felt by all present.”

According to the ODNR, this hunt provided an opportunity to manage the damage white-tailed deer cause to the forest ecosystem in a specific area in the Zaleski State Forest.