I'd like to share some observations ~ something I've noticed about us disabled hunters:

I focus on the true experience of the hunt - getting "out there"; interacting with 'ol Mother Nature ~ on "her" terms, not mine ~ accepting the challenge.

It's not only about monster bucks & recordbook entries ~ those are just the icing on the cake. It's about deer camp, camaraderie & campfire cooking and the "stories" that follow. It's about making a first-time hunter welcome to the camp; cheering him on & helping him realize his dream ~ his first deer. It's also about nullifying those old thoughts of "I can't".

I don't belittle others for the weapon, equipment or method they choose (as long as they hunt legally & responsibly). I'm just ecstatic they're out there.

I'm not out there to impress anyone either ~ I'm out there to make a life for myself. A life full of memories I can recall, when the time comes when I can no longer experience the wonders of nature/hunting on a personal level.

I see hunting seasons as opportunities ~ opportunties for me to get away for awhile. Away from daily stress, financial worries, medical bills and all the physical, emotional & spiritual **baggage** we have heaved upon us ~ sometimes on a daily basis.

When I'm in the woods, I feel blessed when I observe nature in all her true glory. While sitting there in my camo unnoticed, and the sun is beginning to appear, the sounds of the woods coming alive makes me feel as if I'm being reborn. I feel completely rejuvenated. When I was in rehab, back in '79, we were taught to meditate to reach this level of relaxation. Ever since I've started hunting 11 years ago, I have had no use for those meditation tapes. Whenever I feel the need to "meditate", I just head for the woods ~ thats MY "Happy Place"!

When I was introduced to hunting, 11 years ago, I gained a whole new lease on life. Before I was disabled 23+ years ago, my dream was to work in a conservation/wildlife profession. After my accident, I was quickly told what "not" to expect in my newly aquired lifestyle. I just told them to wait & see ~ I'm not going to be one of those guys, on his deathbed, with regrets of what I wanted to try - but didn't, merely because someone told me I "can't".

When I applied for my first managed deer hunt in '92, I was drawn! The sponsors & voluteers made me feel very welcome, even though we were all total strangers. I don't know which of us were more excited - the sponsors, voluteers, or the disabled hunters... It was then & there that I began my admiration for these folks. The sponsors & volunteers could have very easily decided they wanted to go hunting instead, and decided to do so without showing up to assist at the disabled hunt. After all, no matter who you are, you still have only so many days in the season to fill your tags! I realized from that day on, just how un-selfish these folks are. They were giving up some of their days to hunt, so a few of us could experience our first hunt.

I'm not there to only take the largest buck or doe - it's not a competition to me. I wouldn't pass them up if they came by my blind, though! I'm grateful when I'm able to put a couple of deer in my freezer. I LOVE eating venison....

I've enjoyed meeting new friends, and hooking up with old ones every year, now. It's a magical time of year, when we all get together to recall old memories, renew friendships & catch up on hunting stories.

When it's time to head for the deer hunting woods, a hush falls over the group. It's time to get serious... Break out the topo maps, check your gear & check your watches...we're going hunting!

To make a long story short ~ I'd do just about anything to be able to go hunting. Wild horses couldn't drag me away from deer hunting camp. I've always felt the calling of the wild. And as long as I can hear that call, I'll be out there...

There's nothing that can compare to the feelings I have, when I'm in the woods. There ain't no pill, nor no therapy that could even come close to conjuring up the euphoria I experience, in the deer/turkey hunting woods...

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If your mind should go blank...don't forget to [mute] the sound!