HEALING THROUGH THE HUNT: HOW VETERANS ARE FINDING RECOVERY IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
In the quiet arc of a cast, in the rush of wind through the trees, something shifts. For many Veterans, the outdoors isn’t just an escape—it’s where healing begins.
This isn’t only a story about fishing, flying, or archery; it’s a reflection of what happens when those who have carried heavy burdens step into open spaces, find community, and begin to reclaim peace, purpose, and renewal.
From Casting Lines to Casting Off Burdens
For thousands of Veterans, a fishing rod has been more than a pastime—it’s been a lifeline. On the water, the rhythm of casting and the quiet of the stream often bring more than fish—they bring calm.
One Vietnam veteran, Mike Pepper, recalls whispering serenity into the current—peace he hadn’t felt in decades. Another Marine, Green, describes walking into a meeting of strangers and leaving with friends, admitting, “After the first time, I was hooked.”
What begins as an activity often grows into a community that understands the weight of shared experiences.
Tip for Recovery:
- Start small. Even a quiet hour by a pond or local river can slow racing thoughts and bring calm.
- Join a group if you can—connect with mentors and peers who understand the journey.
Finding Freedom in the Open Sky
Not all healing happens with feet on the ground. Some Veterans are finding restoration in the sky. Resurgence PPG, for example, uses powered paragliding to help participants overcome physical and emotional challenges.
For those living with visible and invisible wounds, rising into the air can feel like reclaiming freedom itself.
The wind becomes wings. Anxiety becomes altitude. Each flight is a reminder that resilience doesn’t just mean survival—it can also mean soaring again.
Tip for Recovery:
- Seek out adaptive sports that challenge your body and mind. Whether it’s paragliding, rock climbing, or cycling, learning new skills builds confidence and resilience.
- Try breathing exercises outdoors—combining mindfulness with physical activity can help calm anxiety.
Beyond the Battlefield: Programs Changing the Game
Across the country, different programs continue to connect Veterans with the outdoors in unique ways.
Florida’s Operation Outdoor Freedom has brought hundreds of wounded Veterans on hunting and fishing excursions.
The Warrior Care Network, supported by the Wounded Warrior Project, combines evidence-based treatment for PTSD and TBI with outdoor activities like yoga, cycling, and adventure-based learning.
Even archery has become a path to renewal. Groups like Arrow & Honor Co. promote the discipline of the bow, teaching focus and patience with every draw.
What might look like sport from the outside becomes something deeper—an outlet for releasing tension and reclaiming control.
Tip for Recovery:
- Explore what speaks to you. Some people find peace in stillness (fishing, archery), while others need movement (cycling, hiking).
- Look for local Veteran-specific programs, but don’t be afraid to join civilian outdoor clubs too—community can be found in many forms.
Leaping Into Hope
Retired Army Master Sergeant Pasha Palanker, a two-time Purple Heart recipient, found his own path skyward.
As a parachute demonstrator, he carries massive American and Purple Heart flags across stadium skies. Each leap is more than a performance—it’s a tribute to resilience, remembrance, and the friends he’s lost.
Reflecting on his journey, Palanker once shared:
“For me, having been to some dark places emotionally, having lost friends to suicide, I feel like I found a way out. I want to share that with others who are struggling.”
His message is echoed in every river crossed, every trail hiked, and every arrow drawn by veterans who step into the outdoors seeking connection and balance. His jumps are acts of remembrance, resilience, and relentless advocacy.
Tip for Recovery:
- Tell your story. Whether through writing, photography, or conversation, sharing your journey can help lighten the load and inspire others.
- Use outdoor activities as a ritual—each cast, leap, or hike can become a personal act of resilience.
Where Healing Finds You
From trout streams to mountain skies, the wilderness has become a place of renewal for many Veterans.
These stories reveal a truth: recovery isn’t confined to clinics or therapy rooms. It thrives in wild spaces, where camaraderie grows naturally and peace arrives quietly—sometimes with the cast of a line, sometimes with the lift of a canopy, sometimes with the draw of a bow.
Healing, in the end, is less about leaving the past behind and more about finding new ground to stand on. Or new skies to rise into.
Tips for Getting Started in Outdoor Recovery:
- Start local. A nearby park or trail can be just as powerful as a mountain summit.
- Go with others. Connection is part of healing. Invite a friend or join a group.
- Set small goals. A short hike, one fishing lesson, or one archery practice can build momentum.
- Mix movement with mindfulness. Use the outdoors to practice deep breathing, grounding exercises, or quiet reflection.
- Celebrate progress. Healing isn’t linear. Every step outdoors is a step toward renewal.
So step outside. Breathe deep. Cast that line. Take the leap.
The wild is waiting—and so is your healing.
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BY NATALIE OLIVERIO
Natalie Oliverio is a powerful voice in modern storytelling—a purposeful writer whose work blends clarity, conviction, and lived experience to spark meaningful dialogue and impact. A Navy Veteran and entrepreneur, she brings depth and authority to every piece she pens, shaped by real-world leadershi...
