The boom of the centerfire rifle broke the silence in the tree line overlooking the lush food plot. It was followed by an outburst of celebratory yelling and laughing. It was a great moment, as 8-year old Nate Jacobs had connected on a nice Texas buck. However, prior to the shot, there had been a litany of other activities, including weeks of practice on the shooting range with dad, the assembly of a specialized shooting apparatus, and being carried up a dozen stairs to the hunting blind. Due to a congenital heart defect, Nate had limited use of his legs and arms. But with the help of adaptive equipment that stabilized the rifle and increased scope size, he was able to seal the deal.
There was a lot of day to day activities Nate couldn’t participate in, such as sports, but Nate could proudly state, “I’m a deer hunter”. And he still often does.
I was thinking about that and other such hunts just the other day as I traversed the aisles of my local Bass Pro Shops. As I approached the checkout lane, I gazed into my shopping cart and honestly couldn’t remember choosing half of its contents. I backed up, evaluated, and took a few items back. I had come in only for a pack of archery field points and somehow had spent the better part of three hours in the large chain store. The out of body experience had resulted in, among other items, a new camo jacket, bow target, and promotional hunting tote bag. This kind of place is like heaven on earth for me. Though a little perplexed, I realized that it made complete sense. I too am an outdoorsman. More specifically, I’m a hunter. Even more specifically, I’m a whitetail deer hunter. Many people I know likely think I spend too much time talking and thinking about it too. Like Nate, It’s a huge part of my identity. First and foremost, I identify as a Christian, but my identity as an outdoorsman and hunter is also significant; and important to me.
People seek and tote around all kinds of identities – as golfers, cyclists, artists, woodworkers, wine or craft beer aficionados; you name it. Whereas I was seamlessly and unknowingly transformed into a hunter from a young age, I also grew up identifying as a baseball and basketball player just to name a couple of sports and hobbies. Not the case with many disabled individuals that identify with the outdoor pursuits.
I would never pretend to know what it’s like to be physically challenged, but I’ve been around my share of such individuals. Through the Empowerment Outfitter Network (EON), we have been taking disabled and terminally-ill children and youth on hunts for
almost 15 years. Like all people, the guys and gals we’ve had the privilege to meet and serve are all unique; but with some commonalities regarding hunting and the outdoors. There are those kids and youth that simply want to try hunting. Make no mistake, the chance to take ownership over a physical activity such as hunting and shooting is huge for those that are physically restricted. There are also those that are already eaten up with it and just want opportunities. In either case, creating outdoor avenues for these folks is a win-win.
The same can be said for disabled adults, such as those treated to Wounded Warrior type hunts. They likewise have the opportunity to either establish or refresh the desire to hunt, as well as create or maintain an identity as a sportsman. And with such an identity, comes self-esteem and purpose. “There has been a growing awareness by the general public of the community of people with disabilities who desire to get back into the outdoors and also to bring newcomers too who never have considered participating in outdoor sports due to their disabilities”, said Chad Waligura, accomplished disabled hunter and publisher of Able Outdoors magazine.
Which brings me to the subject of ability. Regardless of the type of limitations, I’ve seen there is always a way to help these individuals to get into the woods to seek wild game – and achieve hunting success. Through innovative advances in technology with adaptive equipment and a growing number of outdoor organizations designed for this purpose, hunting prospects are more attainable. With this, more handicapped males and females can embrace a sportsman’s life.
Whether afflicted from birth or injured in an accident, many physically-challenged individuals are often left without an identity – at least from a physical standpoint. Consider unleashing a servant’s heart by sharing yours with a disabled person. Carve them a path to hunting and outdoor adventure by directly taking them or supporting an outdoor-based wish-granting organization. It’s no secret that the need for hunter recruitment has never been more crucial. And this demographic can help tip the scales. Disabled sportsmen and women can not only participate, but promote and mentor. Like with all hunters, the effect can be exponential, drawing others into the fold; all while fostering the creation or continuation of outdoor identities for those sorely in need of them.
