BTO Podcast Episode #95 Mike Barker & Bo Sandoval - Intrepid Care / Texas A&M

Throughout the podcast, Mike shared stories of how outdoor activities, particularly hunting, have become a powerful tool for connecting with veterans and breaking down barriers. He recounted his first turkey hunt experience at age 35, which sparked his passion for introducing other veterans to hunting. 

These outdoor experiences serve multiple purposes, time spent in hunting blinds allows veterans to open up and share their struggles in a comfortable, non-threatening environment. Activities like the annual dog and knife hunt offer veterans an opportunity to experience controlled excitement, reminiscent of their service days but in a safe setting. Building camaraderie by  shared experiences in nature help foster bonds between veterans and create a support network. Offering new skills and challenges from bow hunting to thermal coyote hunts, these activities give veterans new goals to pursue and skills to master. Thesw all go beyond the outdoors to offer Veterans more comprehensive support.