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. This year, participants nearly doubled, 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. According to event co-organizer Mark Schlicht,
“You think about stress, right?”
Schlicht added that you can make grouse hunting as physically demanding as you want it to be.
Author's summary: Veterans empowered through annual grouse hunt event.