CADIZ — The Harrison County Veteran Service Office announced its second annual Veteran Pheasant Hunt happens today.

The hunt will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the Mingo Sportsman Club, 1400 Township Road 189 Site 1 in Bloomingdale and is completely free to any veteran who wishes to participate.

Jeff Pesta, Veteran Service officer, said the event gives veterans the opportunity to socialize with one another while enjoying a fun sport.

“We take the guys out and try to get them out to do something they haven’t been able to do in a long time,” Pesta said.

This is the second year the office has held the event. There were 10 participants last year, Pesta said.

“They really, really enjoyed it,” he said.

Pesta said there are more than 10 veterans signed up for the event today. He invites anyone who is interested to join the group. The Mingo Sportsman Club will provide the pheasants, while members of the National Pointer Association will provide the bird dogs, he said.

“These are all nationally ranked and champion dogs, and they (handlers) volunteer to come out here,” Pesta said.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, pheasant hunting not only offers an opportunity to socialize with fellow hunters, but is also a great source of exercise

Pesta invites all veteran participants to meet at the Harrison County Courthouse, if anyone should need a ride or would like to follow the group to the event on Saturday morning. The van will leave the courthouse at 9:30 a.m. to head to the Sportsman Club, he said. A lunch will be provided following the hunt.