Annual Grouse Hunt Empowers UP Veterans
The Aspen Thunder Veterans Hunt offers veterans a space to build community and heal.
A special bird hunt was held on Saturday, aiming to empower veterans. The event, now in its 3rd year, took place in the woodlands, where participants hunted for grouse.
Operation Aspen Thunder was made possible with the help of volunteers, Aspen Thicket Grouse Dogs, and BDM Gun Dogs Kennel. This year, the number of participants nearly doubled, with 16 veterans and two active-duty personnel attending.
“Everybody has their main idea of what a veteran is, but you have people from all different walks of life experiences, doing all sorts of jobs in the army,”said Scott Wojsnarowicz, a recruiter who participates in the event to build camaraderie with veterans.
The hunt creates a welcoming environment for veterans who need support, including those experiencing PTSD. According to event co-organizer Mark Schlicht, grouse hunting can be as physically demanding as one wants it to be.
“You think about stress, right?”said Schlicht.
Author's summary: Veterans find healing and community through grouse hunting.