About This Episode
In today’s episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with Anthony Pace from Freedom Hunters. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Anthony Pace from Freedom Hunters, a nonprofit that takes veterans on life-changing outdoor adventures. From Colorado hunting roots to organizing global veteran hunts, Anthony shares how nature and camaraderie help heal those who served. Discover how 15,000+ veterans have found hope through hunting, fishing, and conservation—and how YOU can get involved.
Insights In This Episode
- 15,000+ veterans served since 2006 through 1,000+ events.
- Trips often save lives—vets cite reduced PTSD and suicidal ideation.
- Solicits overstock/obsolete gear from manufacturers (e.g., flashlights, camo) for vets and fundraisers.
- Freedom Hunters operates like a veteran-led spec ops team—nimble, mission-focused, and outcome-driven.
Today’s Guest
Anthony Pace | Freedom Hunters
Freedom Hunters is a 501(c)3 military outreach program dedicated to honoring those who protect our Freedoms. Their mission is to salute the noble work of our courageous men and women of our Armed Forces. Freedom Hunters reflects the outdoor community’s appreciation to our troops by taking: select active duty and combat veterans, families of fallen heroes, children of the deployed, as well as those wounded or injured, on outdoor adventures. Empowered by help from conservation groups, outfitters, corporations, government agencies, and landowners, Freedom Hunters honors individuals from all branches of the military. It is with immense pride and enthusiasm that Freedom Hunters carries on the American tradition of hunting, fishing, and marksmanship.
Featured on the Show
About Tactical Business
Tactical Business is the weekly business show for the firearms industry. The podcast features in-depth interviews with the entrepreneurs, professionals and technologists who are enabling the next generation of firearms businesses to innovate and grow.
Episode Summary
Freedom Hunters: Healing Heroes Through Hunting & The Outdoors
In this powerful episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with Anthony Pace, founder of Freedom Hunters, a nonprofit that harnesses the healing power of the outdoors to support veterans. Anthony shares how his Colorado hunting roots and creative background led to a mission that’s served 15,000+ veterans through hunting, fishing, and conservation adventures.
Key Takeaways
1. A Mission Born from Passion & Purpose
- Anthony grew up immersed in Colorado’s hunting culture, later merging his love for the outdoors with veteran advocacy.
- Founded in 2004, Freedom Hunters connects veterans with therapeutic outdoor experiences—from local fishing trips to African safaris.
- Impact: Over 15,000 veterans served, with many crediting the program with saving their lives (e.g., reducing PTSD and suicidal ideation).
2. How It Works: Vetting, Logistics & Partnerships
- Veteran Selection: A streamlined online application matches vets with adventures based on service history, needs, and donor preferences.
- Strategic Alliances: Partners like Benelli sponsor events (raising $1M+), while government MOUs (e.g., with US Fish & Wildlife) enable conservation projects.
- Tactical Outreach: Rapid-response trips for vets in crisis, plus adaptive group outings to rebuild camaraderie.
3. How to Get Involved
- Host a Vet: Offer a fishing trip, hunt, or outdoor experience.
- Donate Gear/Services: Manufacturers contribute equipment (e.g., flashlights, firearms) for vets and fundraisers.
- Volunteer: Self-motivated outdoorsmen can lead regional events.
Final Thought
Freedom Hunters proves that nature + community = healing. As Anthony puts it: “We’re not just taking veterans hunting—we’re giving them a reason to keep living.”