HunTherapy

HunTherapy is 501(c)3 organization committed to providing outdoor recreation opportunities for Veterans and First Responders

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918-577-1529

Organizational Overview

HunTherapy officially began in May 2022, with its inaugural deer hunt alongside a Navy Veteran, but its roots trace back to its founder’s childhood. In addition to his service-related moral injuries, Carter experienced significant childhood trauma. He realized, even as a young boy, the healing properties of bike riding, exploring nature, and sports. Carter spent countless hours of his childhood riding hundreds of miles on his bike, exploring the natural worlds his adventures led him to.

Once he discovered football, baseball, and basketball at age 5, competitive sports became another outlet for Carter to manage his trauma symptoms into high school and college, where he also picked up volleyball, playing even in his Army days. He enjoyed the camaraderie of team sports but was also drawn to moments of solitude, which offered a different type of healing experience. All sports provided a distraction from his external circumstances and intrusive trauma symptoms. Still, these activities were also a source of community and an outlet for finding meaning and purpose in his young life.

When Carter found himself struggling to reintegrate into civilian life after suffering significant losses and moral injuries after his time as a 19D Cavalry Scout in the US Army, his return to outdoor recreational activities came naturally. Fitness, golf, big game archery hunting, and time spent in nature became staples in his life as he pursued meaning and purpose from his traumatic experiences. Carter has a massive heart for finding meaningful ways to companion alongside others who are struggling, helping them to find meaning in the madness that comes from trauma and moral injury. HunTherapy quickly became Carter’s personal life mission, as he sought to bring the benefits of various forms of outdoor recreation therapy to suffering veterans.

About HunTherapy

Our Mission

HunTherapy fosters holistic healing from service-related emotional and spiritual wounds for military personnel, Veterans, and first responders through transformative outdoor recreation therapy, building crucial social connections and restoring a sense of meaning, purpose, hope, and peace.

HunTherapy Approach

HunTherapy offers an innovative approach to healing and managing the symptoms of trauma and loss that often come with the territory of military service or a first responder profession. HunTherapy provides a variety of outdoor recreation therapies tailored to Veterans and First Responders. From golf to fishing and hunting, a variety of game, HunTherapy seeks to companion others in these activities to help restore a sense of meaning and purpose while healing from service-related wounds. Traumatic experiences, moral injuries, and losses can fracture the very system a person uses to make sense of life and find meaning. Outdoor recreation therapy alongside like-minded individuals can help restore what was broken, contributing to holistic healing for our greatest heroes.

Testimonials

“My friend Carter Check has a unique approach to mental health treatment, blending outdoor recreation with therapeutic interventions. Veterans or first responders struggling with PTSD or anxiety should consider engaging with Carter’s nonprofit, HunTherapy. During our weekend gathering and outdoor activities, I experienced genuine camaraderie akin to that of my military days. From playing Texas Hold'em in the evening to enjoying remarkable meals, it was an unforgettable hunting experience. Thank you, HunTherapy!”

Chris Banning, Air Force Veteran - Oklahoma State Representative

“HunTherapy gave me the opportunity to be a part of a group of veterans for a hunting trip where they put us up in a cabin, fed us an amazing dinner, and then provided us with an amazing breakfast as well the morning of the hunt. That night we all hung out in the house and shared stories, talked trash, and had an absolutely amazing time. It was like being back with the boys, even though I didn't know most of them, It was like we were all best friends. The acceptance and almost instant camaraderie is a feeling that has eluded me for the majority of my veteran years. I will not forget that night. Then, of course, we have to get up early and go shoot stuff which is always good for the soul. I am very grateful for Carter Check and HunTherapy for an experience I won't forget.”

Ryan Nelson, USMC Veteran

“Before experiencing HunTherapy, my hunting background consisted of staring into the woods for hours when I was in middle school, never seeing anything to shoot. Even after my years of military service, hunting never crossed my path until I was connected with this organization last year. What I found was a group of men who refuse to live in isolation and find strength and encouragement by surrounding themselves with like minded men. We enjoyed some amazing food, good drink, many rounds of poker, and the next day, a duck and goose hunt led by professional guides. It was an incredible experience that I will remember always. The bonding moments that take place in a freezing cold duck blind are akin to those moments I remember from my time in service. My HunTherapy trip reminds me that I'm not alone, that my community is full of veterans who have made similar sacrifices and at times faced similar demons. I'm grateful for the men with whom I shared this adventure and for the leadership I was fortunate enough to see in action. Thanks, HunTherapy!”

Tim Wiley, USMC Veteran

Divisions

ArcheryTherapy

ArcheryTherapy is dedicated to the sport of shooting 3D targets. Through group lessons and educational workshops, Veterans and First Responders can learn and hone the skill of archery while building community in a space that honors their lived experience.

Our Inaugural HunTherapy Archery Fest is coming in the fall of 2025.

Subscribe to our email list to stay tuned for details!

Click the link in the partners section for Tybows Archery for all your archery needs in Oklahoma!

GolfTherapy

ArcheryTherapy

GolfTherapy utilizes the sport of golf to build community in helping Veterans and First Responders work through adverse experiences. HunTherapy proudly partners with the South Central Section of PGA HOPE, a free, adaptive program that introduces Veterans with disabilities to the game of golf with the intent of enhancing their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.

GolfTherapy is held on Mondays of each month. Click the link for the Eagle Ops Golf Nights rally point in the partner's section. If you are interested in PGA Hope participation, please use the link in the partners section.

FitTherapy

ArcheryTherapy

RangeTherapy

HunTherapy proudly partners with Fit First Responders to offer FitTherapy. Strengthening the body through physical exercise has countless mental health and spiritual benefits, including managing the symptoms of trauma.

Fit First Responders is dedicated to passionately companion, inspiring, empowering, motivating, and coach Veterans and First Responders to achieve their greatest potential.

If you would like to become a part of the Veterans Division of Fit First Responders, please use the link in the partners section.

RangeTherapy

RangeTherapy provides Veterans and First Responders the opportunity to build community connections while enjoying a gratifying session of target practice. HunTherapy is proud to partner with Eagle Ops Freedom Shoots to bring this opportunity to our Veterans at no cost. Freedom Shoots are monthly controlled range events, providing an invaluable opportunity for connecting, competing, supporting, and encouraging Veterans in a welcoming, empowering environment.

Please use the Freedom Shoots link at the bottom of this page for more information.

DeerTherapy

RangeTherapy

DeerTherapy

HunTherapy got its start with deer hunting, and we are proud to continue offering annual deer hunts during the holiday doe season. Our DeerTherapy division offers guided hunts for whitetail deer across the country with our vast network of community partners. HunTherapy covers the hunt and processing of all game harvested.

Stay tuned for more details on our next hunt, coming December 2025. See you at the rally point!

HogTherapy

RangeTherapy

DeerTherapy

HogTherapy is an action-packed division of HunTherapy, guiding Veterans and First Responders in the thrilling chase of harvesting a wild hog. Local partners provide the hunt and processing of the harvest at no cost to Veteran and First Responder participants of HunTherapy. As a bonus, HunTherapy works with Oklahoma farmers to assist them in removing hogs from their property, creating a win-win for everyone.

Opportunities coming in 2025. Stay tuned!

FishTherapy/SalTherapy

The FishTherapy division of HunTherapy offers freshwater and saltwater adventures (SalTherapy), with local options in Oklahoma, as well as opportunities across the United States. Stepping away from the daily grind to be in nature, on the water, and building community with others while focused on a fun, meaningful activity such as fishing can prove invaluable in healing and managing the symptoms of trauma and loss.

For more fishing opportunities for Veterans, check out the Wounded Veterans of Oklahoma page, as well as the Eagle Ops “On the Line Fishing” rally point, both in the Partners section. These two organizations offer various fishing opportunities for Oklahoma Veterans throughout the year.

FishTherapy excursions coming in Spring 2025.

RiverTherapy

FishTherapy/SalTherapy

RiverTherapy is for the nature-loving adventurer, offering whitewater rafting expeditions as a means to connect with nature, be physically active, and push your boundaries. RiverTherapy is an

alternative form of wilderness therapy that can greatly assist Veterans and First Responders in processing and coping with trauma and loss. Carter has been a whitewater rafting guide on the Ocoee River for over 25 years and draws on his long-standing relationship with Ocoee Inn Rafting to serve Oklahoma Veterans and First Responders.

HunTherapy’s second annual trip was held in the summer of 2024. Stay tuned for more trips to come.

ElkTherapy

FishTherapy/SalTherapy

WaterfowlTherapy

ElkTherapy brings the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Veterans and First Responders to hunt bull elk in the iconic Rocky Mountains. ElkTherapy adventures include a guided bow hunt, trophy mount, and game processing, courtesy of our nationwide sponsors who cover the full cost for our heroes.

Opportunity coming Fall of 2025!

WaterfowlTherapy

Waterfowl Therapy brings the sport of waterfowl hunting to Veterans and First Responders with seasonal guided hunts for geese and ducks. Thanks to generous partners across the state of Oklahoma, like the Wounded Veterans of Oklahoma, Veterans are able to enjoy this beneficial recreation therapy, including harvesting of game, at no cost.

Check out the Wounded Veterans of Oklahoma’s link in our partner section to keep up with their waterfowl hunts for this season and to check out their many other awesome opportunities for Veterans to get outdoors!

We will also have an opportunity for 6 Veterans and First Responders coming February 2025 in honor of Veterans’ Weekend! Stay tuned for details!

TurkeyTherapy

WaterfowlTherapy

PredatorTherapy

TurkeyTherapy focuses on guided, therapeutic wild turkey hunts each spring. Veterans and First Responders are guided by local partners across the nation, who oversee the hunt and care for the game, leaving the hunter to enjoy the hunt and the great outdoors. TurkeyTherapy is provided at no cost to participants, thanks to our generous network of sponsors.

Opportunities coming this upcoming Spring turkey season, 2025. Stay tuned for further details.

PredatorTherapy

WaterfowlTherapy

PredatorTherapy

Predator Therapy is for the thrillseeker, hunting a dose of adrenaline, as well as elusive predators. Using state-of-the-art thermal imaging, these nighttime hunts for wild predators, such as bobcats and coyotes, offer a truly unforgettable adventure.

Our first PredatorTherapy hunt is slated for the Winter of 2025. Stay tuned for details!

About Dr. Carter Check

Dr. Carter C. Check, a Veteran and Army Cavalry Scout, brings personal experience with trauma and PTSD, both from childhood and military service, into his work as an advocate for outdoor recreation therapy in managing trauma symptoms. His struggles with moral injury led him to discover healing in nature from an early age into adulthood, naturally inspiring his life's mission to help other Veterans find meaning, purpose, and resilience through outdoor recreation therapies. Carter earned his Doctor of Integrated Chaplaincy from Vanderbilt University in 2023, writing his dissertation on HunTherapy, a program he developed that uses outdoor recreation therapies as an upstream suicide prevention tool for Veterans.

In his day job, Carter serves as a Clinical Staff Chaplain at the Eastern Oklahoma VA Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He leads the REAL Moral Injury Clinics, is a member of the Suicide Prevention and Postvention teams, and consults nationally with the VA's Integrative Mental Health and Moral Injury Network teams. Carter focuses on addressing moral injury and suicidality through innovative care strategies, including his contributions to national education on moral injury care for Veterans. In addition, Carter facilitates high-risk Veteran aftercare, providing spiritual support and fostering resiliency before a crisis can escalate.

As a published author, Dr. Check has co-authored peer-reviewed work and a manualized approach titled REAL, which helps Veterans navigate morally injurious events. He continues to develop resources and contribute to the national conversation on Veteran mental health, and he has multiple writing projects in his works.

Carter has experienced firsthand the benefits of outdoor recreation therapy since his earliest memories, and he is committed to using it as a tool to build trust and resilience in the Veterans he serves, with the belief that companioning others during their most challenging times—particularly their losses—offers a unique and complementary pathway to healing.

Organizational Overview

About HunTherapy

Our Mission

HunTherapy Approach

Testimonials

Divisions

ArcheryTherapy

ArcheryTherapy

ArcheryTherapy

GolfTherapy

ArcheryTherapy

ArcheryTherapy

FitTherapy

ArcheryTherapy

RangeTherapy

RangeTherapy

RangeTherapy

RangeTherapy

DeerTherapy

RangeTherapy

DeerTherapy

HogTherapy

RangeTherapy

DeerTherapy

FishTherapy/SalTherapy

FishTherapy/SalTherapy

FishTherapy/SalTherapy

RiverTherapy

FishTherapy/SalTherapy

FishTherapy/SalTherapy

ElkTherapy

FishTherapy/SalTherapy

WaterfowlTherapy

WaterfowlTherapy

WaterfowlTherapy

WaterfowlTherapy

TurkeyTherapy

WaterfowlTherapy

PredatorTherapy

PredatorTherapy

WaterfowlTherapy

PredatorTherapy

Partners

About Dr. Carter Check

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