11/11/2025
This is a little story I wrote about last years hunt.
A Cold December Afternoon: Twenty Years in the Making
For 20 years, my journey in bowhunting has been a blend of passion, perseverance, and adaptability. As a wheelchair user, I’ve faced challenges that many never imagine, but my dedication to mastering the art of the hunt has never wavered. Over the years, I’ve shot many does, each hunt refining my technique, deepening my knowledge, and enhancing my love for the sport. But despite the countless hunts and successes, one goal had always remained just out of reach: filling my first buck tag.
That goal became a reality on December 4th 2024, an afternoon I’ll never forget. The cold winter air settled over the landscape as I prepared for what would be the culmination of two decades of hard work and determination. This hunt would be different. Instead of braving the open elements or moving across rugged terrain, I would sit in the quiet comfort of a ground blind, where I could remain steady and focused without the strain of mobility challenges.
I spent the afternoon in anticipation, with my crossbow—perfected through years of adjustments and practice—resting in my hands. I had hunted for years with a bow and crossbow, filling my freezer with does, honing my shooting skills, and learning how to read the woods, wind, and animal patterns. But this time, I wasn’t hunting just for the hunt. I was hunting for something special, a buck that had eluded me for years.
The stillness of the forest around me seemed to stretch forever. With every minute that passed, I knew the moment could arrive at any time. The wait in the blind was a patient one, and as the late afternoon sun sank lower into the sky, the woods began to grow darker, casting long shadows across the landscape. Then, through the trees, I saw movement—slow and deliberate.
A majestic buck appeared, its head down, ears alert, moving cautiously through the fading light. This was the moment I had been waiting for—20 years of hunting, countless hours in the woods, and many successful doe hunts had all led to this one opportunity. With a steady hand, I adjusted my position, ensuring I had the best shot possible. The crossbow felt comfortable in my grip, and with a deep breath, I steadied my aim.
The bolt flew, moving silently through the cool air. It was as if time itself had slowed down in that instant. When it found its mark, I felt a rush of emotions flood through me—pride, relief, and a deep sense of gratitude. The buck stumbled down river bank and fell right on the other side of a frozen river, marking the completion of a journey that had started so many years ago.
While this was the first time I had taken a buck, it was a culmination of every lesson I had learned from all those previous hunts. The does I had harvested over the years were just as important—they were part of the process that made me the hunter I am today. But now, after two decades of trying, I had finally achieved my goal.
I want to extend a huge thank you to D.j. Randolph and Prairie Grit Outdoors. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been a key part of my journey. From expert advice to moral support, they have played a significant role in helping me achieve this milestone. Without their belief in me and their guidance, this moment would not have been possible.
That cold December afternoon, sitting in the ground blind, was a reminder that perseverance, determination, and the willingness to adapt are what make a true hunter. It wasn’t just about shooting a buck—it was about embracing the challenge, overcoming obstacles, and fulfilling a dream that had been 20 years in the making.
