| Author | Message | ||
     Ussa Member Username: Ussa Post Number: 535 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 70.41.56.150  |
   Emily, age 12 was diagnosed six years ago with multiple congenital heart defects and pulmonary hypertension that caused excessive blood pressure in her still developing lungs. She still receives life sustaining 24 hour medication to help lower the dangerous pressure levels. After Emily met another young man we had granted a hunt too, she told her parents she wanted to give deer hunting a try. Since this would be Emily’s first deer hunt, I got her mother, Gweyn, in touch with Adam Bernarde (hunter safety instructor) and shortly afterwards Emily started targeting practicing and was hitting the bull’s-eye at the rifle range. Rick Vojtik owner of American Adventures Ranch located in west-central Wisconsin got the phone call he had been waiting so patiently for. As father of five healthy children, Rick was extremely pleased to sponsor a hunt for a challenged sportsman. When I told him about little Emily I could tell he was as enthused as she and her family. Emily and her dad Joel, her guide Rick and I, arrived in a tower blind around 5:00 pm. The temperature was warmer than usual, windy and rainy, but that didn't keep the deer from venturing out to forage. There were two doe and a young buck in the field in front of us. On the right of the blind there were two trophy bucks that decided to see who the alpha male of the field was. The fighting kept us all on the edge of our seats and we were surprised to see how intense it was. As Emily and her dad looked through the binoculars I could tell her anticipation was rising. As the sun started to set, wind picked up more, and it started to rain harder. In front of us from the right side trotted a beautiful 12 point buck. Rick looked at him through the binoculars and told Emily he was a dandy. We waited patiently as the doe behind him walked off to the left. Emily smiled at Rick as he set the 7mm STW Jarrett riffle on the edge of the open window. I looked behind me and I could see her dad was really overwhelmed with anticipation. He had hunted all his life, but never dreamt that his daughter with her serious health issues would get the opportunity he had dreamed about so much throughout his hunting career. Emily looked down through the scope of the rifle and soon as she had the buck in the crosshairs she pulled the trigger. The deer buckled up and ran back a short distance back toward the way he came in and dropped. She turned around and looked at her dad and said in excitement, "I got him" she paused and said, "I did it". Her dad hugged her and said, "I told you that you would do just fine." She reached over to hug and kiss Rick, and said, "I'm shaking". We all laughed we were so happy for her! Inertly, we all were shaking too! This hunt was very meaningful for everyone who took part in it. It is another example of just how many outdoor experiences like these mean to challenged hunters and their family. Many thanks to the Rick Vojtik Family, American Adventures Ranch, and Jeremy Hage who will be donating the taxidermy work. May God bless you! Brigid O’Donoghue | ||
| Ussa Member Username: Ussa Post Number: 536 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 70.41.56.150 |
 Dear Brigid, I am mailing you my point of view for the trip. When I got to Black River Falls I was excited and nervous at the same time.I had a feeing that Emily was going to get a deer.The second day we were there we had four-wheeler rides my dad and I went and so did Rick and I.Then Emily,Dad,Rick,and Brigid departed to a gun house.And then T.J. and I were outside and we heard the gun shot and I had a feeling that Emily did get a deer.SHE DID! I cried happy tears.When I saw my Dad and Emily with that deer it was heartbreaking I was just as happy as could ever be. Grace Dear Grace, What a beautiful story written by a very beautiful little sister. I'm so glad you came with Emily on her deer hunt. I could tell this hunt meant a lot to you by the sparkle in your eyes and your sweet smile. I can't wait to see you again soon. My love to you and your special family. Brigid | ||
| Abernarde Member Username: Abernarde Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 63.26.110.79  |
An angel indeed. Outstanding Emily. I couldn't wait to see the pics after we got the call that you got a deer and what a deer it is. It is huge! I just wanted to say congratulations! We really enjoyed having you and our family at our house and it appears your shooting practice payed off! Maybe next time we are down that way we can come and see the mount in person. Pictures never quite do justice. The Bernardes, Adam, Lisa, Sara Beth, Hunter and Lillian (Oh and Trio, he seemed to take a liking to Grace, and he's been eating lots of shoes! if you find a black lab on your doorstep, you'll know where he came from!) LOL. |
