Checking In with Witt’s End
The folks behind Witt’s End Wilderness have been busy this winter and are already looking ahead to another year of adventures and opportunities for veterans in our region. The small nonprofit organization, which focuses on providing outdoor experiences for veterans and their families, continues to grow thanks to strong community support and a shared belief in its mission.
One of the organization’s biggest successes last year was the launch of its bear hunting program for veterans. The program was made possible in large part by the generous support of LP Building Solutions in Houlton, which provided a significant donation to help get the effort off the ground. According to Witt’s End organizers, the inaugural season was a success, creating lasting memories for the veterans who took part.
As preparations begin for the program’s second year, LP Building Solutions has once again stepped up to support the effort. Witt’s End organizers say the company’s continued commitment speaks volumes about the role local businesses play in strengthening the community. In an area where economic opportunities can sometimes be limited, businesses that choose to give back help keep important programs like this moving forward.
Another local business is also making a big difference for the veterans involved in the bear hunt. Tapley’s Processing, located on Belvedere Road in Island Falls, offered to process any bears harvested by Witt’s End veteran hunters this year at no cost. The business is run by Chase and Leanne Tapley, and their contribution removes a major expense for participating hunters.
For the Witt’s End team, the gesture is especially meaningful. Wild game processing requires skill, care, and a clean, professional environment, and organizers say Tapley’s Processing delivers exactly that. By donating their services, the Tapley family is helping ensure that veterans can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about additional costs.
Winter also brought another popular feature of the program to local lakes: the Rotary Club of Houlton Witt’s End Wilderness Veteran Community Ice Shack. The ice fishing shack provided a place where veterans could gather, fish, and enjoy time outdoors together during the winter months.
Earlier this month, organizers made the call to remove the shack for the season as warmer weather and changing ice conditions began to move in. While the shack is now safely back on land, Witt’s End leaders say they were thrilled with how much it was used this year. That, after all, was the goal.
The project was made possible through the support of the Rotary Club of Houlton, as well as local landowners who helped provide access to the lake. Witt’s End organizers say the shack will return next winter with improvements already planned. They remain grateful for the businesses, volunteers, and community members who continue to support their mission of giving veterans meaningful outdoor adventures and a strong sense of camaraderie. With that kind of support behind them, it’s clear Witt’s End Wilderness has plenty more stories to write in the seasons ahead.
