Handicap hunting

SafetyChain · 02-06-2004, 01:58 PM

I need some assistance form all you fine ifish hunters. Here's the deal...

My Father-in-law, who had three daughters and no sons, took me on my first deer hunt many years ago. He has his favorite place in the Ukiah unit (he actually wants to be buried there). The last time we hunted there, about 7 years ago, I remember you cannot use off-road vehicles. Well, now he is disabled from leg amputation, heart disease, diabetes, etc. He does not expect many more years with us. He is even hesitant to do this, but I am working on it with him.

Also, this year all of his grandsons are eligible to hunt. I would like to arrange one last hunt for him with his sons-in-law and grandsons. But I need to find somewhere he can either hunt from a truck or ATV access. Eastside would be preferred but would settle for westside. While success would be nice, the highest priority is to get him out with his grandsons. There would be a total of 7 in the party if all can make it.

I have looked or talked to several guides while at the sportsman show and on the Internet. I cannot afford a guide service with that many.

Can anyone offer any solutions or recommendations?

TIA

SafetyChain

skein · 02-06-2004, 02:28 PM

Tell us a little more. Which hunt are you trying to get; deer or elk? And if it's elk, are you trying for bull, spike-only, cow, or any elk?

Also, can he ride an ATV if you were to get into an area where that's legal? Do you want him to get an animal, or just share the camp and experiences with the others? And of course, does it have to be the Ukiah unit?

That's a big hunting party if you're trying to fill all the tags. But this may be a case where less is more, if you know what I mean.

Skein

1eyed · 02-06-2004, 02:29 PM

I know there is some ATV Trails/Areas open in the Starkey Unit. Not sure about Ukiah.

You might also look into some of the Access Habitat Areas, these are usually private lands that you can hunt if you ask for permission.

Some of these areas I think might be designated as Youth or Disabled Access only, you could call ODFW to find out.

I do not hunt from ATV's, wish I could help you more.

Luckybill · 02-06-2004, 02:52 PM

I know a spot in the Metolius unit that has ATV trails, nice camping, lakes and decent chance at a buck. For Deer if you have one prefrence point you can get the draw, and you have chance with no points. People do Elk hunt there, However need to check the synopisis to see if it is a draw hunt or if it is considered over the counter. Let me know if you want more information.

SafetyChain · 02-06-2004, 02:52 PM

I am trying for a deer hunt. While Ukiah, specifically the area he used to hunt, would be optimum, I do not think that is possible.

I think he would be able to ride a slow moving ATV. I was thinking of getting him to a stand and planting him there while the rest of us flushed towards him.

Getting him an animal would again, be ideal, but if that failed it would be ok. If only one of us filled our tag that would be great as I am more interested in the experience (memories) for the family.

skein · 02-06-2004, 03:02 PM

More questions.

How does he get around now, wheelchair, crutches, artificial leg? Which leg is he missing, left (shift) or right?

Do you have an ATV? How about a camp setup that will accomodate him?

The reason I ask all these questions is I do quite a bit with some friends who are wheelchair bound, including elk hunting. I have adapted most of my equipment to handle access for these guys and may have some ideas or equipment that could help.

If this is getting too personal or you want to take it to email, please let me know.

Skein

SafetyChain · 02-06-2004, 03:54 PM

Not too personal and maybe it will help others.

He has prosthetic left leg which he is able to walk on. His amputation was just above the knee. He does get short winded very easily, like after about 50 yds. Have an ATV. Motorhome or tent for accomodations (motorhome ideally).

nitrobass · 02-06-2004, 04:41 PM

SC/Skein I think its awesome you take the time and effort to make a memorable hunt possible for someone in that position. A buddy of mine from high school was paralyzed the summer after we graduated and I take him fishing more now than I ever did when we were in school. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Chromaflage · 02-06-2004, 04:48 PM

SC - an ATV?!?!?! You've been holdin out on your team, my friend.

:grin:

ORS

SafetyChain · 02-06-2004, 05:40 PM

ORS- it it my brother-in-laws

Chromaflage · 02-06-2004, 05:44 PM

Just messin with ya, brother

XXL · 02-06-2004, 06:28 PM

SafetyChain,
I've got the hunt for you. Check out the areas right by Lehman Hot Springs near Ukiah. ATV's are allowed in alot of that area, there are lots of roads (and hunters) and a disabled hunter can have a little help in harvesting the animal if I'm not mistaken. This last season I saw one of the biggest Muley's I've ever seen during Elk season and we saw lots of cows too. Since the Tower fire a few years ago, this is an area where you could sit him down with a good view around and do a drive of sorts. The success rate during spike season was not real good but since a disabled hunter can shoot a legal bull or a cow there are still some good opportunities. The grandkids can hike all over the place without having to worry too much about getting lost and I know from experience it's a fun family hunt. Good luck.
XXL