The Andalusia Lions Club managed to hold its Physically Challenged Deer Hunt last weekend despite the cloudy skies and rainy weather.
Gretchen Brown (22 years old), from Washington, Indiana, was named “Top Gun” at this event. Brown is shown with Dirk Price, a local organizer, and Beacon, her guide dog.
Organised and coordinated by Dirk Price (an avid sportsman who is also blind), the event began with activities at the South Alabama Gun Club Rifle Range on Friday, January 1.
“We had twelve physically disabled hunters who came out to practice adaptive technology. Each participant was assigned a volunteer who could assist them in getting into the woods. Price stated that volunteers worked with participants with a variety of disabilities.”
Participants met with their guide volunteers to practice, review safety rules and decide what kind of assistance they would require over the weekend.
Volunteers include veterans and avid outdoor enthusiasts who assisted with the guides.
Three blind people used a G-line smart shot adapter to mount their smartphone on the riflescope. The smartphone’s camera app is used to project the target and crosshairs onto the screen. Volunteer helpers can guide the blind person to where and when to aim. Two people in wheelchairs were referred to us by Price. We would either drive or wheel them out. Price stated that there are some shooting houses that can accommodate someone in a wheelchair with an assist.
Gretchen Brown (22-year-old blind woman) was named the event’s “Top Gun”. “She was a Washington, Indiana native and shot both a doe and a buck. She was named Top Gun for capturing two deer span>
Others who participated were Riven Adams, Greg Hall, Mike McCrae, Travis Presley, Perdido, Alabama, Alison Agnew, Dothan, and Mike Murphy, Opp.
Assistance was provided by Veterans in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
Price expressed gratitude to all the organizations who made this year’s event possible.
“We have a long list donors that helped us pay our cash expenses. There were many people who gave cash or products, including local businesses and churches. We were able to raise enough money to pay for hotels. Some of these hotels, such as the Best Western In Andalusia, offered us a reduced rate. The Lions Club was able pay for the hunting licences. Regions Bank donated a lot of food. Around 60 people attended the big wild game dinner on Saturday night. He said that it was a recognition dinner to recognize all donors.
Price said that each hunter received a gift bag and that a raffle was held.
“The City of Andalusia allowed us to use the Coleman Center, which has a lot of tables as well as kitchenware. After the participants went on Saturday and Sunday hunting, we were able to have breakfasts, lunches and dinners all three days. We had antelope, venison, catfish and snapper at our big game dinner.
Price stated that some businesses contributed to the deer hunting. These include CCB Bank and Andalusia Distributing Company. David’s Catfish. PowerSouth. Marvin’s. Andalusia Farmers co-op. Piggly Wiggly. ARS Iron Works. Shaw Industries. Walmart. Golden Rule BBQ. Tractor Supply. Advance America.
It was a great event that keeps getting better each year. Without the support of donors, we couldn’t have done it. Every year, we are grateful for the support. With the money we raise, the Lions Club purchases hunting licenses for participants. Price stated that Andalusia is a very generous city and that they are greatly appreciated for all they do.
The volunteers for this year were: Joey Thornton and Michael Shirey; Andy Willis and Andy Willis; Michael Andrews and Chris Nolan; and five of his veteran volunteers John Roach and Landon Adams.
Price is the president of the Lions Club. He stated that the idea for the event was born at the Kiwanis Club’s annual Sportsman’s Expo.
“About ten years ago, my guide dog was born and my wife took us home. We were moving from booth to booth. One man stopped me and asked if I wanted go hunting. I explained that I was blind and he said that he was with Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America. He said I could join the club for $10 and would take me hunting. I was able to go on two hunts with them, and I thought I could help others who are physically disabled hunters by starting one. Price stated that we try to host about 15 hunters a year and make sure it is a high-quality hunt for everyone.
Contact Price at Dirkp@centurytel.net for more information or to call 334-343 3894.
“We are grateful to everyone who participated in our seventh annual event. He asked if anyone would like to donate money or help with expenses for next year’s event.
The post Lions Club holds 7th Annual Physically Challenged Deer Hunt appeared originally on The AndalusiaStar-News.
