Founded by Tommy Estridge and Jerome Davis in late 2011, Back in the Woods Again is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aimed at providing disabled sportsmen and sportswomen with an opportunity to go hunting, despite being disabled. To accomplish this, Estridge and Davis partnered with private land owners in Chatham County, NC (as well as surrounding areas) in order to provide each of the disabled hunters with a great experience.
4th Annual Deer Hunt for the Physically Challenged
In September 2014, Back in the Woods Again wrapped up its 4th Annual Deer Hunt for the Physically Challenged. The annual even took place on September 27 and 28th at the Tyson’s Creek Baptist Church Family Enrichment Center, in Bear Creek, NC.
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission issued a special permit for the early hunt, and there were a total of 72 hunters in attendance, which resulted in 76 deer harvested.
According to the Back in the Woods Again website, the 2014 deer hunt for the physically challenged was a success, largely due to the generous contributions of community members and businesses. Examples of how the contributions were used include:
- Provided food, 2 nights lodging and gear for 72 hunters from all over North Carolina and Virginia
- Provided door prizes
- Purchased adaptive equipment for hunters with no hand or arm movement (this makes a total of 8 devices)
- Presented a rifle to one of our hunters that raised over $5,000 alone in donations and sponsorships
- Purchased and modified a used vehicle for one of our hunters
- Presented $11,500 in scholarship funds to 4 students that graduated from local high schools and 3 of our hunters
- Set aside $5,000 in the scholarship fund for 2015
Giving the Freedom of Mobility to Disabled Persons
Through the contributions of community members and businesses, including Van Products, Back in the Woods Again was able to purchase and modify a used truck for one of their hunters, Justin Allison.
Van Products completed the handicapped modification for the 2003 Chevy Silverado pickup truck, complete with MPD hand controls, a Bruno Stow-Away seat and an Out-rider truck lift. Justin and his family came to pick up the finished product last Thursday.
In the image at the top of this article, Van Products technician, Jim Waters, is seen showing Justin all about the new equipment. For years, Justin has been having to pull himself into his vehicle then break down his chair and pull it in behind him. His shoulders, not to mention his 17 year-old Ford Explorer, were worn out and quickly becoming an unusable method of transportation.
Justin is ecstatic about his wheelchair-accessible pickup truck, and he is incredibly appreciative to everyone who helped make this happen.
To view the rest of the images, visit the Van Products Facebook Page.
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