QUINNEY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — It’s still a couple weeks until the start of the Sturgeon Spearing Season, but preparations are underway for an event designed to help those who served.
The very first Veteran Sturgeon Spearing Retreat runs February 11-13.
After serving two tours of duty in Iraq, and one in Afghanistan, Cody Krepline says memories can be haunting.
“I personally struggle with the invisible wounds, and found healing through the outdoors,” said Cody Krepline, Brillion.
Krepline says the upcoming retreat includes 13 Wisconsin veterans, and 6 from out-of-state. Volunteers will give the veterans a quick course on the sport.
“We’ll take them out on the lake, and we’ll get them involved with the cut-in process. setting the shanties, and then we’ll explain to them how the decoying works, and then explain how to spear. Then we’ll explain to them what to expect when the fish comes in, and what to do,” said Lee Schneider, Volunteer.
The event lasts three days, and veterans may enjoy free meals at participating restaurants in the Village of Stockbridge, the self-proclaimed sturgeon center of the world. The Quinney Fishing Club will host a pig roast on Sunday. Volunteers say they still need some shanties for spearers to use.
“Sounds like they’re willing to take more shacks, so they don’t got to double veterans up in one, so they have separate ones for each one. Sounds like they’re looking for up to seven of them, and they always will be taking donations in the years to come,” said Mark Ecker, Volunteer.
Meanwhile, preparations on Lake Winnebago continue. Quinney Fishing Club members plowed the area along the eastern shoreline Wednesday morning. Krepline says he’s looking forward to the retreat.
“To get the veterans out and have them build that camaraderie to help heal the invisible wounds, yet have a good time.” he said.
The non-profit group called “House in the Woods” is coordinating the event. The organization is based in Maine, and promotes emotional healing for veterans and their families through activities outdoors.
