Last summer I started researching other areas to take my son hunting since our area has been devastated by the recent EHD outbreaks. I posted a new thread on here inquiring about public opportunities in other areas of the state. I received an invite from fellow Eastman's member NE69 to take my son out in some new country. My son and I were very excited at the prospect of hunting a new area and getting away from the crowds around our home town.
Jump forward to October 20th- My wife and both sons were involved in a bad accident on our local highway. A semi turned into her small car causing a head on collision at 60 mph. My wife suffered 8 broken bones on top of other serious injuries. My 15 year old suffered a badly broken left femur, a concussion, and other minor injuries. My 5 year old in the back seat had a minor concussion and cuts and bruises... deer hunting was the furthest thing from our minds.
Fast forward 2.5 weeks- My wife made it home from the hospital in a wheel chair. My son was starting to get up on crutches. My five year old was back in school and life was starting to move forward... stressfully. My son was thinking about the deer trip he was going to miss... he said he still wished he could try to go. I contacted NE69 and the trip was back on... Even with my son's limited mobility he said he felt our chances were good.
I won't get into all the details of the hunt but we had a great time to say the least. In the middle of day 2, we spotted some deer bedded in an area we thought my son could get close to. My son covered 600 yards on crutches and then another 100 yards uphill in an unorthodox 1 legged crawl to get into position for a shot at this deer. He is still pulling prickly pear from all over his body but he smiles while doing it. I am very proud of him for his effort and patience on this hunt. I am also very thankful for this opportunity provided by a fellow hunter that cared enough to help my son.
Jump forward to October 20th- My wife and both sons were involved in a bad accident on our local highway. A semi turned into her small car causing a head on collision at 60 mph. My wife suffered 8 broken bones on top of other serious injuries. My 15 year old suffered a badly broken left femur, a concussion, and other minor injuries. My 5 year old in the back seat had a minor concussion and cuts and bruises... deer hunting was the furthest thing from our minds.
Fast forward 2.5 weeks- My wife made it home from the hospital in a wheel chair. My son was starting to get up on crutches. My five year old was back in school and life was starting to move forward... stressfully. My son was thinking about the deer trip he was going to miss... he said he still wished he could try to go. I contacted NE69 and the trip was back on... Even with my son's limited mobility he said he felt our chances were good.
I won't get into all the details of the hunt but we had a great time to say the least. In the middle of day 2, we spotted some deer bedded in an area we thought my son could get close to. My son covered 600 yards on crutches and then another 100 yards uphill in an unorthodox 1 legged crawl to get into position for a shot at this deer. He is still pulling prickly pear from all over his body but he smiles while doing it. I am very proud of him for his effort and patience on this hunt. I am also very thankful for this opportunity provided by a fellow hunter that cared enough to help my son.
