7th Annual Heroes Northland Experience Bear Hunt

September 9-13

Iron River, Wisconsin

Two Purple Heart Heroes traveled to Iron River, Wisconsin, for the 7th Annual Heroes Northland Experience Bear Hunt. Upon arriving, Heroes Jeffrey and Brian received a warm welcome from Hosts Danny and Nancy Bourassa and the dedicated guides and supporters who would be assisting them throughout their stay. The beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin provided an outstanding setting for several days of bear hunting, relaxation, and camaraderie.

The Heroes headed into the woods with their guides in pursuit of Wisconsin black bear, and the hunting proved to be exceptionally successful. Within just 26 hours, both Heroes had successfully harvested their bears, making for an exciting and memorable start to the event. With their hunts completed earlier than expected, the group had plenty of opportunities to enjoy other activities and explore the surrounding area.

The remainder of the event included fishing, sightseeing, a visit to a local cheese store, and some well-deserved downtime. The Heroes also enjoyed a wonderful meal hosted by the local VFW, whose members provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Throughout their stay, Danny and Nancy treated everyone to delicious home-cooked meals and genuine hospitality, creating a comfortable, family-like environment where the Heroes could relax, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.

The event concluded with an intimate dinner and WWIA challenge coin presentation shared among the Heroes and their Hosts. The relaxed setting provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the experience and the friendships formed throughout their time together. The 7th Annual Heroes Northland Experience Bear Hunt was a tremendous success, offering our combat-wounded Veterans not only outstanding hunting opportunities but also valuable time to reconnect, recharge, and enjoy the camaraderie and peaceful surroundings of Wisconsin’s Northwoods.

Special recognition and sincere thanks to Hosts Danny and Nancy Bourassa for their extraordinary hospitality, generosity, and dedication to our Purple Heart Heroes. Additional gratitude and appreciation to WWIA Guide James Rissler, hunting guide Jim Tonka, the local VFW, and the wonderful volunteers and supporters who helped make the 7th Annual Heroes Northland Experience Bear Hunt such a memorable experience.