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...

Outdoor Outfitters Retail Stores

There are so many outdoor outfitters available to us that it can be difficult to make up our minds where to go to find all our hunting needs. Specialty outfitters and local farm /hardware stores all vie for our consumer dollar; whether it be in person, catalog ,or catalog online. The opportunity to travel a few weeks ago gave me a chance to "kick the tires"of the different retail outlets, figuratively speaking. A lot depends on where you live and what is close by. Then again, planning a special trip isn't a bad idea to checkout that gun, bow, fishing pole or canoe that is on the "want list". Leaving Jamestown, N.D. on Tuesday, September 25th, we headed east on I-94. The next major city we stopped at was Fargo. We discovered in January that the Scheels chain had built a 196,000 square foot(4 acre) site. Absolutely the biggest free standing establishment of this chain store I have seen. It opened this summer on July 1st, so we stopped to check inside. I found it very bright and inviting inside. Spacing between clothes racks, very nice and the racks not so packed the clothes might fall off if you brush by to closely. It is a fact I like "Bright and Neat". Back to S 45th Street, heading south over the I-94 bridge, we found another outfitter - GanderMTN. I was not enticed to stay and browse very long by my surroundings, not to say it isn't a good supplier...I just like atmospheres that are brighter. Traveling on down the road passing other outfitters we made our way to Owatonna, MN. I had another stop to make;) May be you already know where I'm headed. Ah YES!Cabela's...One of the closest stores to home associated with this company. It was very exhilarating. Running from the clothes,shoes ,guns, archery and binoculars etc...just like a child in a toy store. Time went by to quickly before the need to be back on the road arrived. Reading some fellow bloggers - such as Dana over at "The Wild Woodswoman" she referred to the Cabela's Master catalog Fall 2007 on August 11th,2007 ( I am among the group to have one too ;) ) Was able to follow along. Preach IT Dana! Jody posted on September 20th ,over at "thehunterswife.net" that they are looking forward to the opening of a new Cabela's store over at Hammond,Indiana in a few weeks, October 19th. All of us know where she will be shopping for some important Christmas gifts. There are many others who have posted as well on their shopping preferences. Bet you can literally feel a connection to what they are sharing. I know I can... POST UPDATE : You may have caught the comment by Kristine...She said that over at "skinnymoose.com/tailsandtrails", Rick ,was able to get a media tour. He got to wander around the East Hartford, Connecticut Cabela's that will be opening on October 19th. I think you would enjoy seeing all his pictures. Click the link over in the side bar so you can get over there!