In a remarkable display of skill and dedication, Purple Heart recipient Deron Santiny has harvested a massive black bear weighing an astonishing 696 pounds, estimated to be between 26 and 30 years old.
This incredible feat marks the seventh bear harvested of the 10 allowed by the state in Bear Management Area 4 this season, following the reopening of the black bear hunting season after a decades-long ban.
The bear was harvested at Osceola Plantation in Tensas Parish, adding to the significance of this achievement for local residents.
Deron, a native of Grand Isle, has a storied journey of bravery and resilience. He served in the National Guard from 2004 to 2010, including a deployment to Iraq in 2004, where he was injured by a roadside bomb on April 5, 2005. After his retirement in 2010, Deron has continued to serve his country as a veteran advocate. He holds the positions of Commissioner of Veteran Affairs for Louisiana and State Commissioner for the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Joining Deron on this memorable hunt was his friend, Gino Attardi, president of the Healing Road Foundation and an Air Force veteran who served for 12 years. Deron was awarded the eleventh bear tag, generously provided by the Governor’s office after a donation to the Healing Road Foundation. The individual who received the tag chose to honor a Purple Heart recipient, providing Deron with the opportunity to take down this giant black bear.
The successful hunt would not have been possible without the support and coordination of many individuals. When Eddie Stokes contacted the Healing Road Foundation, the decision to assist this veteran was immediate. In recognition of Deron’s sacrifices and contributions, a special account has been established to raise $2,500 for the bear hide to be tanned at Poindexter Taxidermy in Mangham.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issued a total of 10 permits for this season through a lottery system. Hunters are required to attend a bear hunting training course to ensure they understand safety precautions, baiting techniques, and how to properly identify and harvest bears. The hunt is restricted to licensed Louisiana residents and is confi ned to Bear Management Area 4, which includes Tensas, Madison, East Carroll, and West Carroll parishes, as well as portions of Richland, Franklin, and Catahoula parishes.
Contributions can be made through Venmo to @ Connor-Ledet-1 of Delhi Feed and Supply or by visiting Commercial Capital Bank to deposit into the “Deron Santiny Benefit Account.” The community’s support will help honor this wounded warrior and his remarkable achievement.
This event highlights the successful conservation efforts that have brought back the black bear population in Louisiana, while also celebrating the bravery and dedication of our veterans. Deron’s story is a testament to resilience and the unyielding spirit of those who serve our country.
