Our USSA FAQ section intends to help answer many typical everyday questions a viewer may have when contemplating involvement with USSA and its operations. Although the question and answer list are not complete, our FAQs will help clarify many common concerns expressed by our recipients, sponsors, and donors. In addition, we will attempt to explain any terms to keep the section as informative as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recipient FAQ
No, all USSA wishes are free! The generosity of our Members, Sponsors, and Donors helps to pay the costs of the adventure.
Generally! Having a trusted person along on an adventure helps make a better experience for all involved. On the other hand, having extra people along can add significant extra costs to the event, so there may be some reasonable restraints upon the number of additional family members attending the adventure.
Most of the time, USSA can help 1. Finance or 2. Subsidize your travel expenses to and from the event, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and members. Note: If you can help with your travel expenses to and from the event, it helps free-up financial resources, which allow us to grant additional wishes.
Many of our donors have their own lodges or cabins, where you are welcome to stay. Other USSA events will have area hotels/motels for your evening’s rest. Still, other events will have a camping option, which you may choose! NOTE: Please let us know if there is any wheelchair or other accessibility issues for your accommodations.
Usually NONE! The trip donor usually has a high-quality, functional firearm, bow, or fishing rod for you to use. You are always welcome to use your own favorite fishing rod, firearm, or bow if you so desire.
The event sponsor usually provides food. Many operations have their own kitchen. Other events have community volunteers providing food for the recipient and their attendants or the food catered. Note: Please alert USSA to any known food allergies or diet restrictions to make appropriate food arrangements.
We recommend you use the National Weather Service. Every person has a different temperature comfort range, and we recommend you pack accordingly. We also believe it is important to be prepared to face temps that may be as much as 10 degrees warmer and colder than predicted. Some events may require some blaze orange or camo clothing, which you’re welcome to bring if you have it. Many of our donors often have on hand as extras.
Generally yes! Most outfitters have facilities to clean your game. Oftentimes, area meat processors will also donate their expert services or give a price discount. In group events, community volunteers help clean your game as well. There are USSA events where ‘catch and release’ fish conservation is practiced, so the fish are normally released after they are caught.
USSA is fortunate to have the generous support of taxidermists nationwide donate free mounting for people only with life-threatening illnesses. These fine people donate their time and resources to make a permanent, visual reminder of their dream wish adventure. In addition, replicas of trophies taken during catch and release fishing are also available to people battling a life-threatening illness.
Yes, you can attend a USSA event if you have been granted a wish from another charity. But, unless you have a life-threatening illness, we can not answer your request until we have an available opening. We answer wishes for children and adults with life-threatening illnesses first, then children and adults with disabilities second. If we have excess donations, we grant them to those who previously went on a USSA or other charity event.
No! We have granted wishes to children as young as two year old and as old as in their 80’s.
Yes! We follow the AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT 1990 guidelines. United Special Sportsmen Alliance prohibits discrimination against disabled people and guarantees equality of opportunity for people with disability as well as critically ill for hunting and or fishing adventures.
Yes! We have a special wish-granting program just for disabled servicemen and women. If they are a parent, some of our fishing trips include their spouse and children.
This is a tricky question and depends on several issues; a) Is the Recipient disabled or has a life-threatening illness? b) Is it a seasonal wish? For example, a hunting trip would depend upon the hunting season for the state the wish is granted in.
We strongly believe in hunter’s safety and the Department of Natural Resources ofter classes throughout each state.
If your child has a life-threatening illness or is disabled and cannot leave home to get certified, we have other opportunities where hunter safety is not required.
We also work with the Department of Natural Resources and the NWTF in a ‘learn To Hunt Program’ where hunting licenses are not required. We also have a mentoring program for children whose parents aren’t interested or unable to participate.
Donor FAQ
We refer to the ‘Donor’ as the people, operation, or organization that provides the actual trip. For example, outfitters, preserve owners, hunting clubs, boat owners, fishing lodge owners, landowners, campground owners, trail ride outfitters, etc., are all examples of USSA donors.
YES! USSA has a complete liability waiver form, which includes expert opinions from the recipient’s physician ‘Application Form.’ This form helps us all to make sure the recipient is: 1. Eligible to qualify for Outdoor adventure, and 2. Physically able to attend the event. 3. In Addition, each state has a ‘Recreational Use Statute’ – which provides the landowner immunity from injury lawsuits because they did not charge the recipients any money. All waivers contain they acknowledge the existence of these laws.
Any wholesome outdoor activity! Besides traditional hunting and fishing, other enjoyable activities like horseback riding, camping, train rides, water sports, etc., make great opportunities. If you want your organization or business to become involved, USSA will list your wish under ‘Upcoming Events,’ and connect you directly with a Recipient and family.
Generally NO. We know funds can be limited, so the donation size is up to the individual donor.
Please send us an email explaining what features you can offer with your donation and what other expenses may be needed to fulfill the recipient’s hunting, fishing, or other outdoor adventure.
USSA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity and all state and federal tax laws apply. You will be issued a receipt for your donation to keep for your own records.
YES. As a special thank-you to our donors, USSA will list your organization or business on our ‘Sponsons and Donors’ page. There, USSA will give an appropriate thank you for your generous donation. The health and viability of our donors are essential to USSA.
NOTE: Some donors may prefer to remain anonymous to avoid annoying sales pitches from unsolicited sources! USSA will respect this right to donate anonymously and not list your business or operation if you so desire.
Sponsor FAQ
We refer to our USSA ‘Sponsor’ as the businesses and organizations that help provide the important financial resources and manpower for USSA’s events and operations.
YES. Like our donors, your sponsorship contribution is to an IRS-recognized 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity, and all state and federal tax law eligibilities will apply to your contribution.
There are several ways to get involved:
- Yearly cash contributions are the most needed contribution.
- A combination of annual cash and product contributions.
- A variety of annual workforce, cash, and product contributions.
YES. Sponsors will get placement on our USSA’ Sponsor and Donors Page,’ where a concerned public will get to meet the businesses and organizations that help make the dream wishes come true.
Those who contribute at a higher level will also get home page placement in the ‘Sponsor Spotlight’ on the USSA site as a special thanks.