Program gives disabled freedom to hunt

Program gives disabled freedom to hunt

Darren Warner • For the Enquirer • October 26, 2008

The scars that some hunters carry with them take a long time to heal - if they ever do heal.


But the caring and compassion a hunter receives from his friends and loved ones can soften these scars.

The Fort Custer Training Center Freedom Hunt that took place Oct. 18-19 provided a venue for disabled veterans and volunteers to share laughter, stories and much-needed healing.

The second annual hunt was open to any disabled veteran. Everything, including overnight accommodations, food and even meat processing, was free for all participants.

Marc Anthony of Hickory Corners was one of the hunters who took part in the two-day event.

"The best thing about the hunt is the camaraderie," he said. "Being in the situation I am, sometimes you go to an event where there's more able-boded people, and they're afraid to talk with you, or they think you're fragile."

Ten years ago, a fall from a tree stand while deer hunting left Anthony a paraplegic. Today the Quest Ministries International member speaks publicly about the need for hunters to practice proper safety.

"Hunters like to think that it won't happen to them [falling from a tree]. But I tell everyone that it can and will happen to you if you don't wear a safety harness."

Thirty-five hunters and more than 70 volunteers participated in this year's hunt.

Each hunter was paired with an assistant, who helped with transportation to and from the deer stand, locating and field-dressing a harvested animal, then transporting it to a meat processor.

Including Anthony, seven hunters were successful in bagging a whitetail. "But it's not about whether or not you got a deer," added Anthony. "It's about coming together and sharing stories."

Richard Miller of Delton, one of the event's organizers, played a key role in getting the hunt started.

"A group of us had been to a leadership event sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation, and we got to thinking that it would be great if we could get a hunt going at Fort Custer," Miller said.

Miller and the rest of the Fort Custer Freedom Hunt Steering Committee teamed up with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Department of Natural Resources to open up 950 acres that had not been hunted in years for the exclusive use of disabled veterans.

"The whole thing just kind of snowballs when people find out about it," said Miller. "When someone hears about it, they want to be a part of it."

Those who became involved in the hunt come from around the world.

Miller recounted a story of a group of United States servicemen and women who were stationed in Iraq and found out about the planned hunt.

"They saw our Want List on the internet, and one day a semi pulled up to unload a bunch of blinds they had donated."

The hunt represents a culmination of the dedication and efforts of literally thousands who want to make a difference for disabled veterans.

"Years ago when I got into a wheelchair, there were no support groups, and I thought my hunting and fishing were over," said Dave Neeson of Hastings. The Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam veteran bagged a five-pointer while hunting with his grandson.

The laughter and stories do not end when the hunt is over. Veterans and volunteers get together over roast venison to share more hunting stories and build friendships that will last a lifetime.

After all, isn't that what hunting is all about?
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

I was born in Michigan back in the 50s, my Uncles all hunted deer in Michigan, hunting season was always exciting around my grand parents cottage at Lake Odessa, and the fall week ends were always a gathering time for the family. The kids were never allowed to go, they only took the older kids 15 and above, which left a lot of us fishing for bluegill at the lake. Makes me proud to be from Michigan reading stories like this one, thank you.

Sphere: Related Content