By By Mike Giles / outdoors writer
September 10, 2004
Many outdoorsmen never give their health a second thought when it comes time to get ready for deer season. Erecting stands along trails leading to and from bedding and feeding areas takes a little time, but the time and effort is usually worth it. A little planning, effort and the time is all it takes.
Scouting of course is usually a byproduct of spending time in the woods. Any able-bodied outdoorsman or woman is capable of scouting, erecting stands and then following through with the hunt. Sometimes the expectation of the hunt is even greater than the results.
Each year thousands of hunters join forces to clean deer camps, plant food plots, and set up new stands in preparation for the upcoming deer season. For many hunters however, the trips to the woods come to a sudden halt! Each year many able bodied outdoors fans are relegated to the confines of their home after sustaining near life threatening accidents or injuries. Car accidents, falls, and a multitude of other accidents and illnesses literally change people's lives forever.
Have you ever been sick and left at home while the rest of your buddies went to the woods or waters in search of fish and game. Well I have and I can tell you that it's not a good feeling. Oh yes, eventually I got well and was able to return to the outdoor world that I love so much.
Physical setbacks
Sadly, many outdoors enthusiasts can't get back into the woods that easily. Due to accidents or diseases, they are stricken and unable to walk, or get around on their own. While there are some dedicated individuals as well as organizations that are willing to help the less fortunate, there is always a need for more volunteers or helpers.
With that in mind, the Buckmasters American Deer Foundation was formed to help fill a void among disabled hunters, both male and female alike. Although the BADF is an offshoot of the Buckmasters organization, it was set up as a separate entity with the sole purpose of helping others.
While there are many objectives to be met by the foundation, local chapters such as the East Magnolia Buckmasters Chapter are the driving force behind raising funds and actually determining where the money is spent. Although a small percentage goes to the national fund, much of the money raised will be handled and spent right here at home
This year the inaugural East Magnolia Buckmasters Chapter Banquet will be held next Thursday September 16th at the Frank Cochran Center. There will be a dinner catered by Outback Steakhouse held in conjunction with a live auction, door prizes, and games. There will be good food, fun and fellowship for all. In the process, local members hope to expand the hunting opportunities for many of our local disabled sportsmen and women.
Hunters aplenty
Although many disabled persons aren't observed in everyday life, just sponsor a hunt and see how many of them show up for the hunting and fellowship if they're given the opportunity. Until I helped at another disabled hunt a few years ago, I never realized how many disabled hunters that we had around here.
Proceeds from the dinner and auction will be used in a variety of ways. Although providing more hunting opportunities for disabled hunters will be a main focus of the fund-raising, there are many other worthy causes, which may be impacted. Grant and aid scholarships and conservation projects are also worthy objectives of the organization.
Plans are already being made this fall to hold a hunt for several local disabled hunters. Events such as this local fund-raiser will make it possible for able-bodied hunters to get together and help give others a chance to enjoy the outdoors again. I've not yet seen any hunter who didn't appreciate another opportunity to get outdoors and participate in a quality hunting experience.
Outdoorsmen such as Rocky Blier and Darrell Hover have enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities to get outdoors every chance they can get. And believe me, these two men really make the most of it and are capable of harvesting a deer or turkey almost any time they go into the woods.
For more information on the upcoming banquet contact Barney Partridge at 485-2635 or Gary Hurst at 693-0030.