Madison County, MT – In a unique blend of music, military service and outdoor tradition, Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell experienced his first bull elk harvest alongside country‑rock artist Tim Montana and a cadre of active‑duty and retired U.S. special‑operations personnel.
Local hunters and veterans share the field
Tim Montana posted photos and a detailed account of the multi‑day hunt on his social media channels. The expedition, organized through the nonprofit Special Ops Xcursions, brought together Tier‑1 operators seeking a brief respite from demanding duties and an opportunity to enjoy Montana’s rugged wilderness.
According to Montana’s post, every participant on the trip harvested an elk for the first time, including Cantrell, who had never before taken a bull elk. The guitarist expressed awe at the experience, noting that the combination of hunting, camaraderie and the Montana landscape created a memory he will cherish forever.
Supporting veterans through outdoor recreation
Special Ops Xcursions arranges hunting, fishing and other outdoor outings for active‑duty, retired and reserve service members and their families. The organization’s mission is to provide a safe environment where veterans can unwind, bond with fellow service members and reconnect with nature.
Tim Montana supports the nonprofit through the proceeds of his annual American Thread Sporting Clays Shoot held in Nashville. All funds raised are directed to military‑related charitable groups, including the Veterans Bear Camp Program, which recently hosted its first “Outside the Wire” fundraising event in Missoula, where Montana performed an acoustic set.
Community impact and local gratitude
Local volunteers Clark Adkerson and Yanira Larisch were highlighted for their generous hospitality, ensuring the hunting party was fed and sheltered throughout the trip. Their contributions underscore the strong community spirit that often surrounds Montana’s hunting culture.
“There’s something magical about being in nature,” the post read. “Whether you’re waiting under a tree for an elk to bugle or sharing war stories around a campfire, the peace you find out here is hard to match.”
Why the hunt matters
Beyond the personal milestone for Cantrell, the hunt illustrates how outdoor recreation can serve as a bridge between civilian artists, local entrepreneurs and the nation’s heroes. By bringing together a celebrated musician, a local performer and military personnel, the event highlights the shared values of family, faith and liberty that define Montana’s communities.
For those interested in supporting similar initiatives, Special Ops Xcursions welcomes donations and volunteers. Their continued efforts help ensure that veterans have regular access to the healing benefits of the great outdoors.
Original reporting: NewsTalk KGVO 1290 (Townsquare) — read the source article.
