Written by

Zach Hedrick, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri - A beautiful spot in Stoddard County will soon be receive new life and purpose – dedicated to serving those who have served our nation.

Gobbler Ridge Farms is being converted from a family recreational area into a place where veterans with combat-related injuries can go, relax, enjoy the outdoors, and hunt and enjoy nature. The project is spearheaded by Tom Love and Gobbler Ridge Farms and sponsored by the Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post 59 in Dexter.

“It will be a place where they can hunt, view wildlife, take nature photographs, relax,” Love said recently.

Priority will be given to Stoddard County veterans and veterans with combat-related disabilities

The site will have handicapped accessible blinds elevated for hunting and viewing. Blinds will be wheelchair accessible. Ground blinds will also be wheelchair accessible and portable to provide mobility and maximize use through the seasons and movement of wildlife. 

One of the features of the facility will be a “viewing barn” that Love says will be multi-use.

“There will be windows, and it’ll be insulated and have a ramp” for easier access,” Love said.

The cabin on the site is being made handicapped accessible and may be used as a staging area, disabled veterans meetings, meals during outings, preparations for heading out into the woods.

In addition, volunteers are putting in specific food plots for the wildlife – clover, wheat, beans, corn, milo, and chicory. Habitat on the farm is diversified – with food plots, hardwood timber, brushy cover and native grasses.

“A lot of people are involved,” he added.  Folks are lending a hand in preparing the site, and Love said businesses such as Cabela’s and WalMart and supporting the effort. 

“”This site will be available all year long,” he said. “The veterans can go out any time we have man power to take them there.”

The American Legion Post #59 will supervise all donations and disbursement in the project.