Annual Grouse Hunt Empowers UP Veterans
The Aspen Thunder Veterans Hunt offers veterans a space to build community and heal.
A special bird hunt aimed to empower veterans was held on Saturday in the woodlands for grouse during the 3rd annual Aspen Thunder Veterans Hunt.
- Operation Aspen Thunder was made possible with the help of volunteers, Aspen Thicket Grouse Dogs, and BDM Gun Dogs Kennel.
- Participants nearly doubled this year, with 16 veterans and two active duty personnel.
“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, who still works as a recruiter and takes every opportunity to build camaraderie with veterans.
The hunt creates a welcoming environment for veterans who need support, such as those experiencing PTSD.
“You think about stress, right?”
said event co-organizer Mark Schlicht, who added that you can make grouse hunting as physically demanding as you want it to be.
Author's summary: Veterans find community and healing at annual grouse hunt.