The season is soon upon us for a group of disabled young hunters here in Iowa, to get out into the field to participate in a deer hunt.
I must give credit to local reporter Julie Probasco-Sowers, in making us aware of the great things happening in the lives of
those who might not otherwise get the opportunity.
Hunter Zach Mecham, will be sporting a gun rest specifically made for his wheelchair to steady his gun for a more sure shot. He plans to use a custom- made shotgun to reduce the recoil to make his hunt more manageable.
It is thanks to two gunsmiths, Rick Barton and Charlie Soderquist at the Scheels All Sports in West Des Moines, that he will be able to participate in an event called theWhitetail Challenge.
Zach, will be one of 15 people taking part in the hunt, taking place on property owned by Mill Creek Ranch and Radakovich Cattle Co. Owners Ron Mason of Mill Creek Ranch, Steve and Penny Radakovich of Radakovich Cattle Co. are co-founders of the North Branch Wildlife Management organization started in 2005 .
They wanted to supply a place to those who aren't able to go on their own into hunting situations. Partnering with the Department of Natural Resources, the Quality Deer Management Association, and the Spinal Cord injury Association of Iowa to gain the resources needed to make the total experience possible for the young, and disabled hunters of any age or ability.
The hunt for the 15 youngsters is to take place September 26-28th, not that far away.
Zach ,14, has been target shooting since he was 11 or 12. He has 4 brothers, two older and two younger, that are active in hunting. Hunting is one of the things that they enjoy as a family and he wants to be apart of it as well.
It is really great to know that Zach, and others ,have been empowered by individuals who envision character building, mentoring events to assist in managing their area wildlife, and helping to fulfill dreams...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Enabling the Disabled Young Hunter
The season is soon upon us for a group of disabled young hunters here in Iowa, to get out into the field to participate in a deer hunt.
I must give credit to local reporter Julie Probasco-Sowers, in making us aware of the great things happening in the lives of
those who might not otherwise get the opportunity.
Hunter Zach Mecham, will be sporting a gun rest specifically made for his wheelchair to steady his gun for a more sure shot. He plans to use a custom- made shotgun to reduce the recoil to make his hunt more manageable.
It is thanks to two gunsmiths, Rick Barton and Charlie Soderquist at the Scheels All Sports in West Des Moines, that he will be able to participate in an event called theWhitetail Challenge.
Zach, will be one of 15 people taking part in the hunt, taking place on property owned by Mill Creek Ranch and Radakovich Cattle Co. Owners Ron Mason of Mill Creek Ranch, Steve and Penny Radakovich of Radakovich Cattle Co. are co-founders of the North Branch Wildlife Management organization started in 2005 .
They wanted to supply a place to those who aren't able to go on their own into hunting situations. Partnering with the Department of Natural Resources, the Quality Deer Management Association, and the Spinal Cord injury Association of Iowa to gain the resources needed to make the total experience possible for the young, and disabled hunters of any age or ability.
The hunt for the 15 youngsters is to take place September 26-28th, not that far away.
Zach ,14, has been target shooting since he was 11 or 12. He has 4 brothers, two older and two younger, that are active in hunting. Hunting is one of the things that they enjoy as a family and he wants to be apart of it as well.
It is really great to know that Zach, and others ,have been empowered by individuals who envision character building, mentoring events to assist in managing their area wildlife, and helping to fulfill dreams...
That is awesome. I hope that young man bags a deer.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story.
simplyoutdoors - I was inspired when I read the story and passed along some highlights that were noteworthy.
ReplyDeleteIt is really positive to have a group of people that can help interested disabled hunters to reach a goal.
A great post here, CDGarndens! I think it is outstanding that hunters and fishers and other outdoor oriented folks are realizing the need to advocate and assist disabled individuals in their quest to be a part of the great outdoors and what all it has to offer.
ReplyDeleteEach year I assist disabled friends of mine to have a quality fishing outing on a nearby reservoir. It is such a good feeling when those folks have a high quality time participating in their outdoor dreams.
mel- Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteI look at it like this...just because they are physically challenged doesn't make their desires to participate in outdoor activities any less. Providing safe alternatives to achieve the same goal as their counterparts says wonderful things about the sponsors.
Thanks for sharing your experience with others and adding to their lives, your's too. ;)
I think these sorts of initiatives are so great. It is wonderful to know that people with physical challenges are being helped to hunt if they want to do so.
ReplyDeleteThanks for passing along the story.
kristine - I totally agree with you.
ReplyDeleteLike Simply Outdoors said "I hope that young man bags a deer." I will go even further to say I hope everyone taking part in the Whitetail Challenge will be successful in their hunt. More power to them! ;)