Eglin opens range to extraordinary hunters

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Jones
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The rush of tracking big bucks on rarely-hunted land is a chance not many outdoorsmen would pass up. A group of hunters facing similar life challenges partnered with Eglin's Jackson Guard to experience this unique opportunity first-hand Feb. 2-3.

Since 1994 Jackson Guard has opened their ranges to groups of mobility impaired hunters who refuse to give in to their obstacles.

This year, Eglin welcomed 50 hunters to the 14th annual Mobility Impaired Hunt. This allows hunters who need mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, crutches, braces, etc., to take part in a quality outdoor experience.

The first hunt in 1994 drew 18 participants who took just six hogs during the event. Since then, adjustments have been made to improve the overall experience.

"After that first year, we've been able to access areas that aren't normally open to hunting. This has improved quality and increased the hunter success rate," said Justin Johnson, 96th Civil Engineer Group, Environmental Management (Jackson Guard) outdoor recreation program manager. "These are areas with strong deer densities, good buck/doe ratios and the hunt happens during the rut."

These factors have contributed to hunter success rates near 80 percent over the past few years. The event, sponsored by the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, has grown in popularity.

"The participants in the first event were mostly locals," Mr. Johnson said. "But once word got out, we started picking up people from all over the Southeast."

The event was capped at 50 hunters in 1998. This year, there were 92 applicants.

"We try to provide this opportunity to as many people as possible," Mr. Johnson said. "We use a computer-selection process, which gives priority to first-time applicants and those who applied before and were not selected."

Panama City's Brad Fletcher took part in his third Mobility Impaired hunt. A life-long hunter, Mr. Fletcher lost both of his legs below the knee and parts of most of his fingers to Bacterial Meningitis when he was 17. He has participated in several hunts of this type and says the Eglin hunt is by far the best.

"I'm used to a lot of pressure (from other hunters) when I hunt," he said. "Here, there is no pressure and you see a lot of deer. Some people wouldn't go into the woods if not for hunts like this."

While all the hunters have limited mobility, the extent of the impairment varies. For Stephanie Leavins, even the inability to use her arms and legs can't keep her from taking to the woods.

Ms. Leavins has Muscular Dystrophy and has been hunting for as long as she can remember.

"I grew up hunting. I started out more or less just to be with my dad, he would always take me," she said.

When her father, Earl Leavins, offered to rig her wheelchair so she could fire her gun with her foot the world of hunting opened its doors. Stephanie's rifle is mounted on a swivel stand connected to her chair. She activates the trigger on the chair's footplate, which sends an electrical charge to a solenoid that manually fires the gun.

"He reminds me of Tim Allen from 'Home Improvement,'" Ms. Leavins said laughing.

"It's either going to work or it's going to blow up," Mr. Leavins added.

Ms. Leavins entered every Mobility Impaired Hunt at Eglin. She killed her first deer in 2001 followed by seven- and eight-point bucks in 2002 and a nine-point in 2003.

"When you're in a chair, you're limited to where you can go," she said. "Out here, I get out and have a chance."

Over the past few years, Jackson Guard's environmental managers have gotten a helping hand from Panhandle Bow Hunter's Association members who prepare lunch and clean the deer taken by the hunters.

"This may be single greatest improvement to the hunt," Mr. Johnson said. "It equates to more one-on-one time for us with the participants."

While the event offers an excellent opportunity to hunt areas few get the chance to, for the participants and coordinators alike, the weekend means much more than bagging a big buck.

"Being out in the field with these guys is invigorating. They hunt as hard as any group of hunters I've ever been around," Mr. Johnson said. "I enjoy meeting those who overcome their challenges with such a positive outlook. It really puts things in perspective."

"The Jackson Guard guys are like my family. People don't understand all the hard work that goes into the hunt," Ms. Leavins said. "Just to see the love these folks show all the disabled hunters. Even if you don't get a deer, the fellowship and meeting new people are worth it."

Ms. Leavins' perseverance paid dividends again this year as she took an eight-point buck Feb. 3. Overall, the 50 hunters harvested 36 deer and one hog.

You can have a disability and still enjoy the outdoors," Ms. Leavins said. "If you have a dream in your heart, with God's grace and never giving up - you can do it."