Commissioner Simpson Invites Wounded Veterans to Apply for “Operation Outdoor Freedom” Events
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today announced an open call for wounded veterans to apply for upcoming hunting and fishing trips through the “Operation Outdoor Freedom” program. Led by the Florida Forest Service, this initiative provides valuable recreational and rehabilitative opportunities at no cost to eligible veterans on state forests, agricultural lands, and private properties across Florida.
“These Operation Outdoor Freedom hunting and fishing trips provide equal parts healing and camaraderie for those involved, and I encourage all eligible veterans to apply for these life-changing events,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Operation Outdoor Freedom offers our Florida veterans an opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors, and it is the least we can do to repay their courage and their sacrifices serving our country.”
The program is a cornerstone of the Florida Forest Service’s efforts to honor and support those who have served. Upcoming events offer a range of activities, including muzzleloader deer hunts, modern gun hunts, and saltwater fishing trips. The full schedule of events for which veterans can apply is as follows:
- Satsuma Tract Muzzleloader Deer Hunt: October 17-20 at Belmore State Forest
- Peace River State Forest Muzzleloader Deer Hunt: October 22-24 at Peace River State Forest
- Two Mile Prairie Muzzleloader Deer/Hog Hunt: October 24-26 at Withlacoochee State Forest
- Rock Lake / PK Deer Hunt: November 4-6 at Withlacoochee State Forest
- Pinellas County Offshore Saltwater Fishing Trip 2: November 7 at an Other Public Land
- Peace River State Forest November Gun Deer Hunt: November 20-22 at Peace River State Forest
- Satsuma Tract Rifle Hunt: November 19-21 at Belmore State Forest
- Training Center Modern Gun Deer Hunt: November 22-24 at Withlacoochee State Forest
- Shell Mound Fishing Event 2025: December 2-5 at an Other Public Land
- Newnans Lake State Forest Rifle Hunt: December 5-7 at Newnans Lake State Forest
Participants for each event will be selected through a random draw and notified via email.
In addition to the events, Operation Outdoor Freedom maintains eight dedicated facilities across the state. These sites are designed with the needs of wounded veterans in mind, featuring bunk houses, outdoor kitchens, dining areas, fire pits, and restroom facilities to ensure a comfortable and accessible experience for all participants.
Since its launch in 2009, Operation Outdoor Freedom has hosted more than 970 events, providing support and outdoor recreation to over 6,800 wounded veterans.
For more information and to apply for upcoming events, veterans can visit the official Operation Outdoor Freedom website at fdacs.gov/OperationOutdoorFreedom.
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