A group of Waupaca hunters are helping the Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation with deer hides. Dave Hintz started collecting deer hides in 2000 to raise money for various programs, however four years ago Hides For Heroes began collecting for the non-profit group that provides outdoor sporting activities for Purple Heart recipients wounded in combat.
Hintz said he decided to raise the money for Wounded Warriors because of a veteran he met in Phillips Wisconsin. “Ever since I met him, I met a lot of other Purple Heart recipient veterans, Vietnam vets who tell me their story and it’s pretty cool,” Hintz said.
The program has grown every year and Hintz is encouraged by all of the people that have come up to him eager to help.
“A lot of veterans are hunters. A lot of veterans are willing to help me collect hides and help sell hides. It’s almost like deer hunting camaraderie. Every year it’s been better and better.”
Hides can currently be dropped off in the Waupaca, Weyauwega, and Phillips areas as of now, but Hintz is willing to make a further trip if there are enough hides to pick up.
“I wanted to try to get some in Marion, but I didn’t have the resources this year,” Hintz said. “I want to reach out to Clintonville and Shawano area. If they donate a hide and they’ve got four, five, or six of them, I’ll come get them.”
Hintz’s goal to raise is $10,000. Last year he was able to raise $6,700 and since 2012, he’s helped raise close to $14,000 for Wounded Warriors In Action.
Hides can be donated at the following locations:
Phillips, WI:
- Badger Sports Center
- Elk River Rods
- Corner Connection Bar
Waupaca Area:
- Chain BP. King
- JR’s Sports Shop, Iola
- Depo Street Station, Iola
- Scandy “C” Store, Scandinavia
- Sand Burr Corners , Ogdensburg
- Waupaca Truck Stop, Waupaca
- The Cenex, Weyauwega
- Sun Set BP, Weyauwega
- Machow Sports, Wild Rose
Hintz can be reached at (715) 412-1161
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