Hunting Partner Had a Stroke - I need Some Advice & Help

[pianoman9701]

So, a good many of you donated DVDs to my friend Bruce after his stroke in October and I must say, he enjoys them immensely. He wants to hunt next fall and his recovery hasn't been near what we'd hoped for. He's having trouble walking more than a few yards and his right arm and hand don't have the dexterity he needs to draw a bow, or possibly even shoot a crossbow or gun, for that matter. Although, we haven't tried shooting anything yet. He can't speak more than a few words in a row without having trouble being able to finish his thoughts.

In the past, we've taken 10 days to hunt from a campsite. The last 4 years, we've rented RVs as we're getting older and not having to spend an entire day on each end setting up and breaking down has added to our hunting time. This year, I don't see that happening at all. We have to be in phone range in case he has a medical problem. If we find he's able to shoot at all, at this point it looks like it'll have to be either close to the truck or somewhere a 4-wheeler can access. And, his wife would probably freak out if he were away from home for more than a day trip or maybe two.

I don't have the foggiest idea of where to start with this. His wife hasn't yet been able to get SSDI so he hasn't been designated yet as disabled but it wouldn't take anyone very long to see he is. He's never shot an elk. I'd like to give him the opportunity to do so with whatever method he can. If he can't possibly, I'd like him to be with me while I do it for him. If any of you guys have experience with this process, I'd sure like some guidance on how to go about getting this done if I possibly can. Thanks in advance for your help. I don't mind not doing the regular trip if I can make this one memorable for him. Anyone got some ideas for me?

[Antlershed]

Does he have any points built up in any of the special permit categories?

[pianoman9701]

Does he have any points built up in any of the special permit categories?

No, we've only hunted OTC.

[Oh Mah]

Very sorry to hear all of this best of luck sir.

[pianoman9701]

Thanks.

[oneshot12]

have you tried checking with the wdf   disabled  hunters  yet ? they are a big help as well .friend of ours had to get a cross bow to hunt and they were a big help to him and he as able to get in late season on bow elk .give them a call and see what they can help you with

[pianoman9701]

have you tried checking with the wdf   disabled  hunters  yet ? they are a big help as well .friend of ours had to get a cross bow to hunt and they were a big help to him and he as able to get in late season on bow elk .give them a call and see what they can help you with

Thanks. That's my next step.

[oneshot12]

he was all set up in like a couple of weeks from what he was telling us .
  real helpful folks too

[pianoman9701]

I just wrote to the coordinator. Thanks Oneshot. 

[Eli346]

Good luck and please keep us posted. Maybe somebody can come up with another option for you.

[pd]

I have no special insights, P'man, but you are a good man, and I am sure something positive will result from your efforts.  Our sincere best wishes to you both!

[kenzmad]

Contact the Bio for the area around Chehalis. He hooked us up with a landowner that only allows disabled folks to hunt his fields. He is near the stacks just east of town. Been a few years so I don't remember the landowners name.

[RadSav]

Crossbow out of a blind could be a good idea.  Might ask Heuvel for some advice since I know he hunts rather close to you.  I have blinds you can borrow.

Also may want to talk with MLBowhunting.  I know he has been helping disabled hunters for some time now.  Not sure how much success they have had with elk, but I know he gets his disabled guys on animals each year.  He should at least be able to help you with what to expect and what to avoid.

Put in for Multi-season tags!  Put in for Toutle cow.  Get Weyco pass.  Most of the Toutle RV parks have cell reception.

Might be a perfect opportunity to book a hunt with Bearpaw.  Not sure about elk, but his deer hunts on private land are darn near perfect for crossbow/disabled.  We went there the year before my wife's eye surgery.  We had plenty of opportunities and the accommodations were quite nice!

[Eli346]

 

[pianoman9701]

Contact the Bio for the area around Chehalis. He hooked us up with a landowner that only allows disabled folks to hunt his fields. He is near the stacks just east of town. Been a few years so I don't remember the landowners name.

Great tip, Ken. Thanks and we may do that. Sounds like it would be a good day trip type hunt and not freak his wife out too much.

[pianoman9701]

Rad, those are a lot of good suggestions. We do apply for the multi-season each year. Neither of us have been picked for it yet so maybe we're due. A guided trip just isn't in the cards for either of us but we'll certainly take your advice on some of the other items. Thank you.

Guys, the coordinator for the WDFW disabled program contacted me right back yesterday with some forms and advice. One part of that agency is working! I'll be seeing my buddy tomorrow and we'll get started on the forms.

Keep giving suggestions. I'm going to keep these and continue to go through them to build a hunt for him. Thanks all.

[WSU]

Another idea would be archery elk in one of the naches area units. There are lots of options for places to stay, there is cell service, and there are lots of elk.

[pianoman9701]

Another idea would be archery elk in one of the naches area units. There are lots of options for places to stay, there is cell service, and there are lots of elk.

Not sure he'll be able to pull back a bow yet. So far, not yet.

[WSU]

Crossbow?

[pianoman9701]

Working on that, but since he doesn't own one that may not be an option.

[RB]

Crossbow out of a blind could be a good idea.  Might ask Heuvel for some advice since I know he hunts rather close to you.  I have blinds you can borrow.

Also may want to talk with MLBowhunting.  I know he has been helping disabled hunters for some time now.  Not sure how much success they have had with elk, but I know he gets his disabled guys on animals each year.  He should at least be able to help you with what to expect and what to avoid.

Put in for Multi-season tags!  Put in for Toutle cow.  Get Weyco pass.  Most of the Toutle RV parks have cell reception.

Might be a perfect opportunity to book a hunt with Bearpaw.  Not sure about elk, but his deer hunts on private land are darn near perfect for crossbow/disabled.  We went there the year before my wife's eye surgery.  We had plenty of opportunities and the accommodations were quite nice!

first thing I thought of as well Weyco pass and a lot of the areas have cell coverage, plus it holds both Deer and Elk. Can he change hands for shooting? Shoot left handed instead of right just a thought. Hope all goes well stroke recovery has come a long way in the last few years.

[Fl0und3rz]

Pman, there is this. 

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,184000.msg2428830.html#msg2428830

[pianoman9701]

Thanks Flounderz. Not sure we're there yet but it's nice to know there might be one available.

[kckrawler]

Even that department will disappoint.

Something else for you guys to consider entering next season, Disable Hunter Road Access Entry Program. It's a series of gated roads that give access to special drawn disabled hunters.

Good luck!

http://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/road_access.html

[pianoman9701]

They sent me the link for the road access yesterday. Thanks. 

[TomT]

My apologies if I missed this in earlier replies, but your friend does not need to be disabled per Social Security in order to get his disability with WDFW.  All it requires is to fill out an application and get a form signed by his doctor (which clearly they would sign if he meets the requirements). 

Take a look at the right side of this webpage and it has the links he'll need.   I've had two friends do it in the last year and it was pretty painless.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requirements_status.html

Good luck.

[pianoman9701]

I understand that, Tom. Thanks for the help and link.