If you pay that kind of money for a hunt, you deserve to be scammed.
You have an knack for always taking the dumbschiet view on things.
Congradulations?
The money generated from aution tags goes back into wildlife programs that help all hunters.
That's why hunters with resources spend so much on those auction tags.
Most also stoke their own ego by taking an animal on the tag but it's pretty cool of that guy to give the hunt to the Vet.
So does the veteran have to pay the IRS for this windfall he received. All the paper lines up. Documented cost, transfer of wealth, recipient accepted and benefited. ???????
Charitable contribution.
Your interest in making sure the tax laws are followed by a disabled vet is duly noted.