2007 - Disabled Hunter Program

November 20, 2007 • Voyageur Press

The first annual Disabled Hunter program took place October 4–7 and was a huge success. Approximately 65 local volunteers contributed a total of more than 1,050 hours with one goal in mind – to provide a hunt camp atmosphere, plenty of good food interspersed with hunting stories, and good natured ribbing. “This was truly a community effort, and it wouldn’t have been successful without the support of the many volunteers and community organizations,” said Rice Lake National Wildlife Manager Walt Ford. “We figured on a formula of two volunteers for each hunter, plus those needed for food preparation, serving, and cleanup.”

Fifteen hunters were expected; however, thirteen hunters actually participated. According to Walt, one out-of-state hunter (number 14) arrived in McGregor and got sick the night before the hunt with a 102 degree fever and was advised to return home to Ohio by the RN that was traveling with him. The 15th hunter had a vehicle problem and was unable to participate.

Walt was amazed by the community support. He noted that everything sort of snowballed without a lot of effort on his part. “I asked a couple of people here and there if they would support an effort by the refuge to have this hunt,” he said. “The next thing I knew I had solid commitments from approximately six local clubs and organizations to help any way they could.”

That list grew quickly and donations started to roll in. People stopped Walt on the street to ask how they could help. “This was by far the most fun project I have had in my Federal Wildlife Service career. It was all due to the generosity and support from everyone that took the time to be involved.”

While several deer were seen, none were harvested. According to Walt, it was a big disappointment to everyone involved with the hunt . . . except for the hunters themselves. “The hunters were thrilled just to have the opportunity to hunt; getting a deer would have been icing on the cake,” he added.

“One hunter and his partner were able to watch a bear feed on acorns for about 20 minutes just a few steps away from their blind. Another one saw what he believed to be a wolf. Several hunters commented on the various birds that they watched from their blinds. It was obvious to anyone hearing their stories that the fun was in the hunt – a good re- minder to everyone that considers themselves a hunter that there is much fun to be had in the pursuit.”

A hunt of this nature certainly has an impact on some. Walt noted that at least two of the participating hunters had given up hunting a number of years ago due to the lack of opportunity on public land, not knowing any private landowners, or not knowing private landowners that could provide the specialized help they need to get to a deer stand.

Walt can’t thank everyone enough. “Thanks to everyone that helped make this first time effort so successful! We are already starting to plan for the 2008 hunt, and we hope to accommodate 20 disabled hunters.”

At the risk of forgetting someone, Walt provided a list of the clubs, businesses, individuals, and organizations that supported this hunt through donations and/or providing items at their wholesale cost. A total of $7,200.00, plus more than $3,000.00 worth of supplies and materials were donated to this year’s hunt.

Anyone wanting to learn more about the hunt can reach Walt at 218-768-2402.