Senior Hunter Partner Program

[Big Blue]

I had what I think may be a great idea. I was talking to a seventy year old hunter, that was about to give up what amounts to a lifetimes enjoyment of deer hunting. He's getting too old to drag out harvested deer, and too old to walk the woods alone. My idea is to try and set up a program with the State Game Commission, that would allow volunteers, if requested, to escort older hunters that need some help. Here in Pennsylvania, they already have several days in October that are set aside as Senior hunting days, if a volunteer could just escort an elder hunter for those few days each year, it would allow a senior hunter many more years of hunting enjoyment. I've already contacted my State Game Commission, State Senator, and the IHEA (Hunters Education), about this idea, and I'm hoping they will help me set it up. I've told them that I would be willing to travel around the state to attend hunting club meetings, and present this plan to them, and sign up any volunteers I could find. I'm not really looking for volunteers yet, but rather any influence or ideas that you might have that could help me get this off the ground. I think it is a very worthwhile project. Can you imagine after hunting all your life, the first opening day of deer season, when you have to stay home because you can't go it alone anymore? I sure would appreciate any help you can give me with this. Please respond here, or E-mail me with any questions or help with this.

Thanks,
Don
E-mail: marlinnut94@aol.com

[Lawdog]

Big Blue,

I applaud your idea and support your efforts.  My only suggestion would be to add the disabled hunters to your list.  By doing so you could maybe get the backing and endorsement from outfits like Buckmasters, etc..  Let us know how things go.  Lawdog
 

[Big Blue]

Lawdog,
That is a great idea! It pretty much comes to the same thing anyway. I would hope someone would be there for me if I needed help, so the least I can do is be there for someone else now. You can be sure I'll pursue your idea on that as well.
Thanks,
Don

[Lawdog]

Don,


The following is a few addresses of clubs and organizations that should be able to supply you with lots of information.

NAME: American Wheelchair Archers
ADDRESS1: RD#2 Box 2043
ADDRESS2:
CITY: West Sunbury
STATE: PA
ZIPCODE: 16061
PHONE: 1-412-735-4359
FAX:
INTERNET:
MISC INFO: Nothing known of this organization

NAME: Arkansas Disabled Sportsmen
ADDRESS1: P.O. Box 250218   
ADDRESS2: Hillcrest Station
CITY: Little Rock
STATE: AR
ZIPCODE: 72225
PHONE: 1-501-666-2523
FAX:
INTERNET:
MISC INFO: Outdoor opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

NAME: Arkubutla Physically Challenged Hunters Assoc.
ADDRESS1: 5064 Oak Grove Road   
ADDRESS2:
CITY: Hernando
STATE: MS
ZIPCODE: 38632
PHONE: 1-601-429-1230
FAX:
INTERNET:
MISC INFO: Nothing known of this organization

NAME: Buckmasters, LTD
ADDRESS1: P.O. Box  235006   
ADDRESS2:
CITY: Montgomery
STATE: AL
ZIPCODE: 36123-5006
PHONE: 1-205-339-2800
FAX:
INTERNET:
MISC INFO: Disabled Sportsmen chapter.


NAME: Capable Partners, Inc.
ADDRESS1:  P.O. Box 19543
ADDRESS2:
CITY: St. Paul
STATE: MN
ZIPCODE: 55119
PHONE: 1-612-888-6494
FAX:
INTERNET:
MISC INFO: Working daily with the physically challenged around Minneapolis, MN. A good outdoor group thats doing things.

You can find other clubs at http://www.uslink.net/~daryl/nonpft1.html, hope this helps.  Lawdog
 

[Big Blue]

Lawdog,
Thanks form getting me that information. I think I'll contact tham and see how they're set up, that could help me here. PA. Game Commission didn't waste anytime flatly turning me down. While they said it's a nice idea, they said that they think it should be organized on a local level,. Another words, they don't want to get involved. They thought it would be better done at local hunting clubs, which would be fine except for guys that either don't belong to a club, or don't have one near where they live or hunt. I'm chasing the political angle yet, so if I can bring this up to a politician at an appropriate time, let's say an interview, I may yet get some help.
Thanks,
Don

[Lawdog]

Don,

If I can be of any more help just ask.  I have my own reasons.  Lawdog
 

[trophyhunter]

This is a great idea and would love to see this in My state of Ky and would be happy to volunteer.  I think I will write some letters to the kdfw about this Thanks

[tscott]

I'm with you guys!!!!
Perhaps mine is a different perspective....
I'm 58. I stay in shape. Working out 6 or 7 days a week. I see no dropoff in hunting performance from when I was much younger, although my knees let me know it. I hunt way back, often in steep terrain.
Regardless of condition, I don't feel it prudent to to raise my heart rate
way past the recommended level for a man my age, by dragging a deer
long distances. I also don't want another knee surgery, or 2 week back ache. I have taught myself to filet the deer on the spot of kill. Where I live it is legal in remote locations. I do use a cell to take care of regs immediately. When I go north to hunt my boyhood digs in NY, I do the same, filling out the card and recording my kill, (I hunt the southern zone)
There should be some concession to older hunters, in places where deer must be taken out whole. 40 - 60 lbs of meat neatly packed in my pack is no where near as taxing on my cardiovascular system as a drag. I want to stay in the hunt forever.. This tactic helps. Illegal?  I would never take an animal illegally, or report a fraud. I just want a little slack for an old man getting a deer out. Hell, I can apply and get a handicapped permit!
I ain't handicapped! I just want my 1 buck and 1 60 lb doe each year.
And as I get older, I don't want to jeopardize my health doing so...