8th Annual NH Bear and Bass

September 10-14

Grafton, New Hampshire

Two Purple Heart Heroes traveled to Grafton, New Hampshire, for the 8th Annual NH Bear and Bass event. Upon arriving, Heroes David and Kevin received a warm welcome from Host Roy Holland, WWIA Guide Allen Pippin, and the dedicated volunteers and supporters who would be assisting them throughout the event. Each Hero was generously presented with a Ruger American Predator Gen II rifle, complete with a scope donated by Vortex. After settling into camp, everyone enjoyed dinner together and prepared for the upcoming bear hunts in the beautiful New Hampshire countryside.

The following morning, the Heroes headed into the woods with their guides, taking positions in elevated tree stands overlooking established bait sites. Although the morning hunting was slow, the afternoon provided plenty of excitement as several bears were spotted, including a number of cubs. Kevin experienced a particularly memorable encounter when a mother bear began climbing the tree where he was positioned before eventually retreating. Everyone returned to camp that evening for a delicious home-cooked meal, laughter, and camaraderie. Representatives from a New Hampshire Veterans organization also visited during the day and generously presented the Heroes with rifle cases to safely transport their new firearms home.

The Heroes returned to the woods the following morning for another opportunity to harvest a black bear. After a quiet morning, everyone enjoyed some downtime at camp, playing cards and sharing stories before heading out for the afternoon hunt. It proved to be a successful outing for Kevin, who, accompanied by Host Roy, spotted a bear near his hunting location and made a clean, successful harvest. The evening concluded with an incredible dinner featuring fresh lobster and steak tips, providing another wonderful opportunity for fellowship and celebration.

Heavy rain moved into the area the following day, preventing additional hunting opportunities. Rather than letting the weather dampen their spirits, the Heroes and their Hosts enjoyed a relaxing day at camp, playing cards, watching movies, and spending quality time together. Another delicious home-cooked dinner, generously prepared by Roy’s mother, brought the day to a close before everyone prepared for their journeys home.

The 8th Annual NH Bear and Bass provided our Heroes with much more than an opportunity to pursue black bear in the New Hampshire woods. The generous hospitality, relaxed atmosphere, and time spent alongside fellow Veterans created meaningful opportunities for connection, friendship, and camaraderie. Special recognition and sincere thanks to Host Roy Holland for his outstanding leadership, generosity, and dedication to our Purple Heart Heroes. Additional gratitude and appreciation to WWIA Guide Allen Pippin, Ruger, Vortex, the local Veterans organization, and the wonderful volunteers, family members, and supporters whose generosity and hospitality made this another memorable experience for our combat-wounded Veterans.