Hunting Heritage

A Platte River SCI lifetime member since the chapter’s beginning, John Hertner has spent nearly 70 of his 81 years hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. His adventures have taken him from Alaska to Africa and many places in between, building a lifetime of memories in the field.

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After multiple orthopedic surgeries and lasting mobility limitations, John’s days of stalking game may be behind him, but his passion for hunting remains strong. A retired Biology Professor from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, he continues to seek ethical hunting and fishing opportunities that are accessible for those with limited mobility.

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Through the Platte River SCI Annual Convention, John and his wife, Anita, became acquainted with chapter supporters Michael and Danielle Grosse of International Adventures Unlimited. After several conversations and Michael’s assurance that the hunt could be adapted to John’s needs, they committed to a Red Deer hunt in Scotland.

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While Anita, also a hunter, chose to make sightseeing her top priority for this trip, the couple extended their stay to explore Scotland before the hunt. From the sparsely populated northern region to the country’s agricultural, recreational, and timber landscapes, the experience offered both adventure and remarkable scenery.

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With excellent food, accommodations, sightseeing, and a successful hunt, the trip became a reminder that meaningful outdoor experiences can continue at every stage of life. Today, John is focused on identifying ethical hunting and fishing trips that allow outdoorsmen and women with limited mobility to remain active, engaged, and connected to the traditions they love.