Can Hunting Help Veterans Heal? Victor Bretting Thinks So

<p><strong>The best therapy for some veterans doesn&#39;t start in a counselor&#39;s office—it starts around a campfire.</strong> </p><p><strong>EPISODE PREMISE</strong></p><p>Healing doesn&#39;t always happen the way we expect. In this episode of <strong>VET S.O.S.</strong>, Victor Bretting shares how a retirement ranch in North Texas became a mission to serve veterans through the outdoors, conservation, and authentic camaraderie. What veterans often take home isn&#39;t just a trophy—it&#39;s a renewed sense of connection, purpose, and peace. </p><p><strong>In this episode, you&#39;ll discover:</strong></p><p>• <strong>Understand</strong> why Victor believes the hunt is only the excuse—and healing is the real mission. </p><p>• <strong>Learn</strong> how Hunting With Soldiers helps veterans rediscover the brotherhood many miss after leaving military service. </p><p>• <strong>Experience</strong> why campfires, shared meals, and quiet mornings in the field often become more meaningful than harvesting an animal. </p><p>• <strong>Hear</strong> incredible stories from Victor&#39;s dangerous game hunts in Mozambique and how those experiences shaped his perspective on conservation, leadership, and service. </p><p><strong>About Victor Bretting</strong></p><p>Victor Bretting is an eighth-generation Texan, construction executive, conservationist, author, and founder of <strong>Bretting Texan Ranch (BTEX Ranch)</strong>. Although he never served in the military, he has dedicated his ranch to supporting veterans through Hunting With Soldiers by providing donated hunting experiences focused on healing, fellowship, and restoration. He is also the author of <em>The Man That I Would Become</em> and has pursued more than 140 species across five continents. </p><p><strong>&quot;The harvesting of a trophy is a very secondary thing. It&#39;s just an avenue to get here so they can have a little peace and quiet... and hopefully find that transition of healing.&quot;</strong> </p><p>🎙️ <strong>If this episode helped you, please follow VET S.O.S. and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts.</strong> Open the Apple Podcasts app, search <strong>VET S.O.S.</strong>, scroll down, and tap <strong>&quot;Write a Review.&quot;</strong> It takes less than 30 seconds and helps another veteran discover the resources and community they may need today.</p><p><strong>⏱️ Episode Chapters</strong></p><p><strong>00:00</strong> – Healing Beyond the Hunt</p><p><strong>02:05</strong> – Meet Victor Bretting</p><p><strong>04:00</strong> – Why BTEX Ranch Exists</p><p><strong>10:22</strong> – Campfires, Brotherhood &amp; Veteran Healing</p><p><strong>16:56</strong> – Hunting With Soldiers</p><p><strong>25:15</strong> – Dangerous Game &amp; Lessons from Mozambique</p><p><strong>29:20</strong> – Closing Thoughts &amp; Resources</p><p><strong>🎧 Explore the VET S.O.S. Network</strong></p><p>▶ <strong>VET S.O.S.</strong> – Flagship Show</p><p>▶ <strong>Operation Startup</strong></p><p>▶ <strong>Learning Lifeline</strong></p><p>▶ <strong>The Scoop</strong></p><p>▶ <strong>Testimony Strong</strong></p><p><strong>🔗 Connect with VET S.O.S.</strong></p><p>Website: <a href="https://vetsospodcast.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://vetsospodcast.com</a></p><p>YouTube: <a href="https://youtube.com/@vetsospodcast" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://youtube.com/@vetsospodcast</a></p><p>Apple Podcasts: <a href="" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vet-s-o-s/id1735805548</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://open.spotify.com/show/vetsos</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast</a></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://instagram.co