I have gone on both fishing and hunting trips. I have learned a lot about both the activities and myself.
Previous Stories
I have been fishing/ice fishing with Reboot in the past and was chosen this year for their first all-women's bear hunt. All of the volunteers were great. I learned a lot about bear hunting and hunting from a tree stand. I met 4 other great women vets and shared many stories. 3 out of the 5 of us tagged out (I was one of them), but all of us had a great experience. Reboot offered the other 2 ladies the opportunity to come back next year for another chance at a bear. That was the best thing I've ever seen from any group I've been with. I highly recommend Operation Reboot Outdoors if you love the outdoors and need a reboot/recharge.
I was fortunate enough to be chosen for an ORO hunt, a trip to be remembered for a lifetime! The hunt was a blast! The comradery with the group was something I haven’t see in awhile! I haven’t laughed that much in a day in a long time! Daniel and the ORO crew were very friendly, knowledgeable and adapted to accommodate me in order to get everything processed! Daniel and his family made sure I’d have the meat processed before leaving! Even if it meant making a mess of their dining room! Not only did I fill the freeezer but I learned how to process the harvest! As a hunter with not much expiernce these guys answered any questions I had and gave me tips! Daniel and his crew have hearts of gold! I am Incredibly grateful for the amazing opportunity! Thank you for a trip I’ll remember forever!
My Name is Bobby and I volunteer for the best Organization, Operation Reboot Outdoors. It all started with a drive to Turner and a handshake a few years ago. At the time I was with a different organization with similar workings. I came onto the Reboot team about 2 years ago after my personal Reboot with a bear to help with fundraising efforts and lend a hand wherever needed. Immediately with the Reboot crew you feel that sense of family and belonging to something bigger than yourself. The camaraderie, sarcastic personalities, the sense of urgency to get things done, everyone involved (including some of the best kids I've ever met) and having a sense of purpose once again has helped me exponentially. Not all who wander, are lost....some are just in search of that something they need in their life and I found mine with Reboot. Having a hand in this organization means the world to me. You see the stories throughout the seasons, you know what goes into it all and when you see the impact it has on those who come for a Reboot...it just brings a smile to your face. You see folks come in and by the time they leave they're different...more at ease, balanced, happy and full of life. I'll be at some events helping this winter, we'll see you out there!
P.S.- Don't call Dan prior to 10am
Where to start.. Guiding a hunt for Operation Reboot Outdoors was one of the best experiences of my life. Dan is one of the most selfless men I have been fortunate enough to meet. I guess that is to an extent, because you can tell he gets a lot from helping Veterans and he loves what he does. He is 100% focused on the Veterans, volunteers, and the organization, while still making sure to be a great family man. When the trip didn’t quite go according to plan, Dan drove 5 hours to straighten some things out and make sure everyone was good to go. Myself and my team felt welcome with Reboot from day one and we were all genuinely excited, humbled and honored to be invited back as one of the guide teams. I look forward to continuing down this path with Reboot and hope to do it much more often when I retire.
I’m not a Vet or LEO, I have family that is and friends that are. I have a great amount of respect for the people that have made different choices in life then me. I have been volunteering with Operation and Reboot outdoors for five years now. I have met so many great people from all over.
What is a Reboot. It’s whatever you need, it’s different for everyone. Even the volunteers get Reboots. The feeling I get thinking I might of made someone’s day a little better, to hear the stories. The experiences they have from day to day with Reboot. To see the smiles, to hear how close they were to getting an animal or to see an animal. (A trophy) You know nothing else mattered for a minute. As Dan Waite puts it finding your true North even if just for a moment. I hope to see you on a Reboot someday, to get to spend 5 minutes chatting with you.
I can live my life the way I do because of the choices and sacrifices others have made.
Thank you, Frank Knauer.
I started following Operation Reboot Outdoors via facebook, as I have a father who is a disabled veteran so this organization peaked my interest. After several months of watching Dan post about his missions. I reached out to Dan and asked if he was interested in setting up a rabbit hunting missions with hounds. Dan and I talked over the phone and he wanted to make sure that the environment was going to be right for the veterans. After going over the expectations, values and what the organization stands for. I assured Dan that I would be a good fit, we organized our first rabbit hunt. I think we had close to a dozen guys that crisp morning. Everyone was ready to start the adventure. Throughout the day we all had many laughs and great conversations. I knew from that moment that I wanted to continue volunteering for this amazing organization. I have gone on to get my Registered Maine Guides License, and this year expanded into helping Dan with Bear baiting and Deer hunting missions for the veterans.
To anyone out there looking to get out and enjoy the outdoors and find a way to get a Reboot, do not think twice to reach out to Dan and find out what the hype is all about. It's real and it works. You will meet some of the best folks on earth within this organization and you will become part of the Reboot Family.
Through another Guide, it was requested that I call Reboot. Upon initial contact with Dan Waite, they asked me if I could join them on my moose hunt. The next day, guide Steve was in contact with me and I had over 3 months of frequent conversation with this gentleman. The conversations were positive, fun, family and hunt based in content. It was obvious this organization wanted to give me a positive experience as well a good hunt. As far as the hunt, they had never hunted zone 9 for moose. Reboot had scouted the area 3 times before the hunt and established a basic but adequate spike camp. They made sure I was comfortable and had what I needed. The success of the hunt was only the icing. I had the privilege of staying in camp with both Dan and Steve with their 3 sons. Observing their friendship and relations with their sons was refreshing. In addition other volunteer guides came bye to say hello and check in on us. It was also nice to see everyone work together in good spirit. I wish to thank Reboot for giving me this opprotunity, which I was willing to give up even after 37 years of trying. Dan, Steve and thier families have a pure conviction to help a persons Spirit. Thank you, Mark
Operation Reboot has been a life changer for me. I had my first mission with reboot back in 2021 on a bear hunt. I noticed right away this was a different organization and quickly wanted to be a part of it! Over the next few years I got involved with gold rush and a few other missions when time would allow. Reboot is grassroots honest and real Dan,Nicole and the entire Reboot crew are simply amazing! From spring time turkeys to BIG Maine moose and everything in between they do it all and they do it well! Reboot gave me a new way of looking at my life post military something I could not find on my own and I’m forever grateful! Thank you guys!! Much love Jim
I meet these guys just about 2 years ago. I found them online and went to their summer BBQ fundraiser. I instantly felt as if I was among family. Dan, as busy as he was that day took time to introduce himself and explained what Operation Reboot does for military and law enforcement. When my daughter was drawn for a moose tag. I reached out for help and without hesitation we was going moose hunting. Although hunting was extremely short, (13 minutes) it was sucessful and it was the happiest I've seen my daughter. I want to thank Dans wife and kids for encouraging him to be one of the greatest men I know. He put the needs and wants of others ahead of his own. Anyone wants to see it in action attend the BBQ fundraiser and see the teamwork and Comradery.
Oh yeah the smile says it all
Operation ReBoot Outdoors provided me and four other LEO/Military/EMT women with a week bear hunt at Camp Byron. I am not exaggerating when I say this was a once in a lifetime trip! The memories and friendships I made are some that I’ll cherish forever. I was told from the start that this was about a “ReBoot” and that can come in many forms. Harvesting a bear was a bonus. For me it was the camaraderie and being around likeminded people that appreciate nature.
I felt like part of the family as soon as I arrived. I knew these were “my kind of people”. Dan and his family and the ReBoot Volunteers take time to educate you and prepare you for your hunt. Everyone wants you to be successful. They put an enormous amount of time and energy into all that they do. You won’t find a better group of people or mission than Operation ReBoot Outdoors!
I first heard about Operation Reboot Outdoors around 6 years ago and I knew instantly I wanted to help and be apart of it. The outdoors helped me become recalibrated, I knew it would help others in one way or another. I helped when I could, donated items that could be useful. I’ve watched this organization grow over the years and it’s been absolutely amazing. There are many positive stories you’ll hear from people who harvest an animal, but the ones you don’t hear about are stories from people not realizing what they would get out of a Reboot mission until it smacks them in the face and it’s generally not about harvesting an animal…It could be anything from making serious life changes, making amends with loved ones, improving their health etc. Reboot is raw, Reboot is real, Reboot is family who has your 6.
Operation Reboot is a fantastic organization that brings vets together through the outdoors. I have enjoyed both my hunts with them and getting to know the guides and volunteers. All hunts are well organized and a great time for all involved. I am thankful to have been introduced to this group and would highly recommend them to any veterans looking for a great group to work with.
I went on the first all female bear hunt with Operation Reboot Ourdoors. This was the most amazing experience of my life. Everyone was so inviting and friendly. Dan was so inspirational and kept us all so motivated. You could tell how much he cared about everyone's success, as though it was his own success.
I can only explained the experience as magical. I didn't want to leave and feel like everyone I met is family now.
When my husband needed someone to rank to because his PTSD was acting up I called Dan. Having only met him at my bear hunt, and he took time out of his day to call my husband and talk to him as if they were family.
I can't thank the reboot family enough for everything they've done for me and everything they've done for all vets out there.
The best veterans out door nonprofit out there. Everyone was not only super knowledgeable about hunting and the outdoors but generally nice and kind people who care. They include you in the hunt and teach you along the way. I can not recommend this enough to any veteran out there. Reboot gave me another spark to get out doors and keep pushing!!
Wow...thats all I can say. *Warning Long But Good"
A little while back I was notified by Daniel Waite from Operation ReBoot OutDoors that I was selected as the recipient of a donated Bull Moose tag in Maine. Mr Gene White donated the tag and had final say so in who was going on this hunt. To say I was blown away would be the understatement of the century. A once in a lifetime opportunity had just presented itself and I was sure going to make sure I did my part.
Later I talked to Steven Morse and Matt Hamel about necessary gear and expectations and the plan was set. I needed to meet Steve's wife to pick up some gear and she had a few extra items, so I reached out to Matt to see what was going on. Somehow, he had service and turns out he locked his keys in his truck while out scouting for my hunt and I was only 50 mins from his house, so I took a detour to get his spare and back on the road I go.
We did some scouting on Sunday and found we had a daytime picture of a monster from that morning. We hunted that spot on the opener, but the wind swirld alot and it was warm. We didn't see or here any moose.
Tuesday, both of the other veterans in camp punched their tags on really nice bulls early so Matt, Chris and I stopped the hunt and went to help Steve get his beautiful bull out of the timber. After getting back to camp, I realized I didn't have my phone...I had lost it in the North Maine Woods somewhere between Steve's harvest site and Matt's truck!! This is significant in alot of ways not the least of which, THIS IS MY WAY HOME!! Chris jumped into action and a short time later returned with my phone. It fell out of my pocket when I jumped out of Steve's truck to get back into Matt's! Oh the relief!! Now to focus on the hunt!
Wednesday morning the wind was calm, it had been cold the last two nights and we knew the bulls would be talking. Wyatt had another bull on camera that he called "Triton" and we pushed in on him. We checked the camera on the way in...nothing...dang. But there was sign, and opportunity so we pressed on. A few hundred yards down the cut, we let out a cow call and got a response that everyone heard and immediately knew we needed to get set up. The bull was coming our way and we had a wind that we hoped would not shift even a little or he would have busted us. We made one more 50 yard move up to a maple that gave us a little better view of the end of this cut. This bull was grunting, raking, pushing down trees and putting on a show! Steve used the paddles, Wyatt grunted back at him, Matt was spraying the scents and Chris stood back and was breaking limbs and sticks while Cole Huff got it all on video! A true group effort.
This bull came in to 55 yards when I smacked him with the first shot out of my dads .30-06 (he passed last November), the bull startled and moved to our left, now at about 40 yards and I put another one in him and he instantly dropped!
The excitement, the emotion, the connection, the brotherhood all sealed forever in that moment. Ill be honest, I had a moment with my father...and I cried.
So many things had to happen for this to become a reality for me. I truely won the lottery! I will never forget the trip, the camp, the people, the organization, the volunteers, the donor of the tag and my wife for making this possible. Without all of you, this dream would have never become a reality.
The bull known as Triton had triple brows on both sides, was 50.75 inches wide and had 18 points (at the check station but we say 20) and there was 433 lbs of deboned meat dropped off to the processor so probably tipped the scales around 1000 pounds.
All I can say is "Wow"!!
Reboot is by far the top outdoor nonprofit in Maine ! Thank you to Dan and the crew for the opportunity to hunt moose this fall! People that truly care about veterans well being! The experience with this organization has been great for my whole life in general. The camaraderie.is second to none!
Operation reboot is the first organization I’ve felt like I’ve belonged with sense coming home. I tried out other groups and foundations. They were all more like fraternity parties, which did not help my cause.
I was able to get a refresh and get back to doing what I love because of reboot. It refocused me on the out doors. I LOVE fishing always has been my passion reboot helped me get back to it.
Operation reboot also gave me the chance to help my peers! 22 is to many and we need to help each other with more then just “here have some alcohol to drown the pain”. Operation reboot is answering that call and helping vets rehabilitate and make new friends out side of their respected gun club.
In the year 2019, I found myself standing at the precipice of life's most profound transitions. After a decade of unwavering service in the army, I left with a sense of purpose, but my heart weighed heavy from the recent loss of my father. It was then, with the most precious thing in my life - my sons - in mind, that I took a leap into the unknown. I sold my house in Tennessee, ventured to the uncharted landscapes of Maine, a place where I knew no one, and prepared to face life anew.
As I gazed upon the boundless expanse of the Maine wilderness, my thoughts often turned to my father. He was a man who would have seized every opportunity presented by these wild terrains. However, I was unskilled in the ways of hunting and fishing, endeavors that epitomized his passions. My early forays were marked by disheartening failures – empty fishing nets and the elusive nature of deer deepened my frustration.
Then, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of a friend who reached out to me. They introduced me to Operation Reboot, a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering veterans transformative experiences. It was during one of their trips, a chance to learn the art of smelting, that my life began to change. I decided to seize this lifeline, motivated by the belief that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
The days spent with Operation Reboot's team had the familiar camaraderie and banter of my military days, a comforting reminder of a world I had left behind. However, it was during a second trip, an invitation to join a bear hunt, that a profound transformation began to unfold. In a stand, motionless for five hours, I finally forged a connection with the natural world surrounding me. A deep realization emerged – hunting and fishing were not just about the act of taking life, but rather, a unique opportunity for a man to engage in an unfiltered dialogue with himself, confronting the complexities of life head-on. The catch, whether it be a fish, bear, or deer, was not the essence; it was the illumination of the human soul.
Operation Reboot's support allowed me to discover a newfound sense of inner peace and purpose amidst the wilderness. My days are no longer dominated by the agony of frustration and self-anger. I am now equipped to pass on these invaluable skills to my children, carrying forward the legacy my father would be proud of.
To crown it all, I did, in fact, capture that elusive bear. Operation Reboot has woven an indelible thread of change throughout my life. It has enabled me to rediscover myself, offering me the solace and reconnection to nature I was so desperately seeking. My gratitude towards Operation Reboot knows no bounds. They have touched my life profoundly, and I am deeply honored to be a part of their mission to bring renewal to veterans like myself.
I first heard about reboot on Facebook. As a Veteran myself and having a hard time adjusting to civilian life, it immediately peaked my interest. I contacted Dan and asked to volunteer. He brought me in and immediately I was hooked. I finally had found what I felt was missing. Commraderie, support and a "Reboot" from feeling lost and having no purpose. I had the pleasure of going on a hunt myself and now have been a volunteer and guide in whatever capacity I can for the past 3 years. This organization goes above and beyond to reach out and remind Veterans of our purpose and to help boost us out of the pit we fall into of feeling lost and depressed. I will forever owe this organization with my life and will always do my best to help others that are able to find us and need a Reboot. If you're a fellow Vet or LEO and are in need of some brother/sisterhood and support, reach out!
I want to give a HUGE shout out to Ryan Begin an ORO volunteer, his wife Kaila for the hospitality, and of course Operation ReBoot OutDoors for this opportunity. Ryan and his team (Kelvin and Fred) did an amazing job scouting and calling before and during the hunt. Also have to shout out to the Butcher, Eugene from Wildwoods for his amazing donation to ReBoot. I can not thank any of them enough.
At roughly 7:50 am after sitting and walking all morning, we were driving out to another location and decided to go down a few side roads and as we came around a corner, I spotted this Bull on the side of the road and yelled "stop." It ran across the road into some trees, about 60yds away as I pulled up and sighted him in, Ryan gave a call to get him to stop and I fired. He took off and circled back to the road, so I ran down and fired a second (not knowing the 1st one went straight through his heart) and that was it. We couldn't have asked for him to die, right in the open at the top of a bank. This was my first ever year applying for a Moose permit and I was lucky enough to be selected and even luckier to tag out.