Yesterday I got a phone call from a gentleman who is with the VDGIF (Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries) that had been giving me points of contact to help me in forming the VDOC. He told me I needed to call one of two VDGIF bioligist right in my area, one of them had helped to develop a disabled only WMA. Well I gave them a buzz and asked if we could speak that afternoon. He said no problem, so after work I headed on down there. I came in and the receptionist asked if she could help me, I told her who I was and who I was to see and she said "Oh yes they have been expecting you". I was thinking "They", well she walks me back and I had an hour long meeting with 3 VDGIG wildlife bioligist who where all excited about what I was getting ready to start.

One of them had a father in law that was a double amputee and all three had done work with the handicapped. They explained to me that their budget and manpower was very limited and as a result they were limited in what they were able to do for the disabled, but that with a group like what I am forming I would not only receive their full support, but they said that once the VDOC is incorporated they would be arranging for me to meet with the Virginia Game Commisioner and they said more than likely that would lead to me meeting with the Governor!!! It turns out that Virginia has been trying to improve access and programs for years, but budget constraints had strangled the effort. Obviously the State will be a tremedous help with VDOC.

The Tazman