The Good News Magazine

Operation Whitetail: Giving Back

On a recent Monday morning, hunters gathered around a wild game breakfast discussing the weekend’s adventures. The atmosphere was jovial and relaxed and sitting in the center were Greg and Shayne Meyer, who soaked it all in. Through their efforts, they founded Operation Whitetail, a fledgling non-profit organization dedicated to providing hunting opportunities to wounded veterans.

A group of 10 veterans spent the weekend hunting deer on the Meyer’s farm and then spent a morning goose hunting in Talbot County. The soldiers, assembled from various points including Fort Belvoire and Walter Reed, were in the States to recuperate from various injuries sustained in war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Goose Hunting Veterans

Greg Meyer (third from the left) participated in a goose hunt along with seven wounded soldiers, all outfitted compliments of Shore Sportsman.

According to Shayne, “We strive to give these soldiers an experience that will be unforgettable as a way of thanking them for their sacrifice of defending our country. We do it one weekend at a time.”

In May 2010, Greg, an avid deer hunter, donated his farm and time to take an injured veteran on a hunt. Not a hunter, Shayne orchestrated the special weekend. They were overwhelmed by the huge amount of support they received from the community to give back to these fellow Americans. One month later, Operation Whitetail was conceived. In one year’s time, they were able to double the amount of hunters they can take out hunting. The Meyers recently completed a renovation of their home, turning their master bedroom into a room set up with bunks to accommodate more hunters. They renovated a trailer on the property as well.

Shayne and Greg Meyer relax after a goose hunt in Talbot County.

In addition to taking the group deer hunting in November, the Meyers hooked up with Talbot County native Jamie Latham, who owns Shore Sportsman in Easton, and took them goose hunting on the Trappe farm of Ned Orme. Shore Sportsman “adopted” the soldiers, working with hunting manufacturers to outfit them all in full hunting gear for the soldiers to keep. Some locals came to help guide the hunt, while others filmed it. Others prepared the food after the hunt. And Butch Chambers provided the hunting dog and then put on a demonstration.

Shayne knows firsthand the devastating effects that war can have on a soldier. Her father served in the Vietnam War and suffered greatly for years when he returned home from active duty. Ultimately, his suffering caused vast amounts of pain for his entire family, which had lasting effects on the then 9-year-old Shayne. And while she and her husband can’t fix the physical and emotional problems of these wounded soldiers, they can provide a weekend hiatus for these men and women.

Shayne treats them as family and invites each visitor to sign the newly painted walls of her former bedroom with red and blue ink. One day she expects that the walls will be covered in signatures and she will have to repaint the walls and start over again.

One way that Operation Whitetail is funded is by C.A.N.S. (Citizens of America Never Forgetting our Soldiers). The Meyers also organized a police escorted Freedom Ride this summer, which is scheduled for August 4, 2012. Operation Whitetail recently held a fundraiser dance at the Federalsburg VFW that was a huge success as well. Property owners may also donate land so that soldiers may continue to have a place to hunt. For more information on how to get involved with Operation Whitetail, call Shayne at 443-786-6866 or visit www.operationwhitetail.org.