Chad's First Elk, must read

bowhunt

Long Time Member
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What an exciting 2008 Elk hunt! We were able to help Chad with his first ever elk hunt.
Chad is a great young man, with a huge heart, a great desire to be in the outdoors, a passion for football, and just a good person.

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When Chad was around 9 years old he started having mobility problems, it started in his legs and then progressed. It eventually left him wheelchair bound. He was eventually diagnosed with Dystonia disease. Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, continual muscular contractions. These contractions are paralyzing!

We have been planning and preparing for the hunt since mid summer. Chad and his Brother Ky, had been corresponding with us via email. We were all excited to meet Chad and help him out.

We have a great place to hunt, thanks to some very very charitable and giving land owners!
The plan was to have Chad and his brother set up in a blind near a large alfalfa field in Northern Utah.
The elk live several miles away, but get hooked on the great food. They sneak in about every night looking for an easy meal. The problem is..they love to do that sneaking in the middle of the night.

Here is a picture of Chad getting ready, and a picture of him in the blind the first night.


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The first day of the hunt left us without and elk, but wanting more! We saw 1 bull and several cows coming to the field, unfortunately they did not make it within range until after shooting hours. We watched them in the full moon out in the field. UUGGHHH!


We made the decision to give it a week, and hunt the last 2 days. We were thrilled when it only took 1 day.
I met Chad, Ky (Chad's Brother) Randy (Chad's Dad) and Chris (one of Chad's many friends) in Heber city on September 15th at 2pm. We wanted to get set up in the blind by 5pm. Early enough so we would not disturb the elk, but late enough that Chad would be able to last that long in a small tight spot.

Randy, Chris and I sat on the hill well above the blind, while Chad and Ky waited in the Double Bull.

FINALLY just before shooting hours ended. A good bull, and several cows peaked out of the thick junipers. The bull bugled several times as he pushed his cows over the fence and into range of Chad...We waited on the hill above anxious for the sound of a rifle, and we waited, and we waited...ok it was probably about 2 minutes.
Wham, and we saw the elk hold his front shoulder, wham again and he was down!
We were all excited for Chad. He has spent his life watching his family and friends go hunting while he stayed at home, but not today!
Chad did it.

This is Chad and his brother Ky.

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This is Chad, his Brother, Father and good friend Chris.

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Western Hunting on Wheels was thrilled to help Chad with this hunt! He is a great Young Man, with a huge heart!

It was exciting to be around the constant smiles and thank yous. Chad is a classy man!

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Thanks for reading,

Western Hunting on Wheels.
 
Sweet!! how did you do with your nephew up home here?? Congrats to Chad!! Great bull!

Get your hunt on!!
tixs,lodging,for you
cruises,trips for her!
songdogtravel.com
 
Way to go Chad! That is an awesome bull. I want to see a pic of him whole in the back of that Toyota. That elk is bigger than the truck. Congrats.
 
Great story and pics.


"You only live once,but if you work it right, once is enough" -Joe E. Lewis
 
That is so cool.
You sure take good health for granted.

Can't imagine what Chad has to go through on a daily basis.
Hats off to a job well done!

HH
 
That is freaking awesome. Congrats to Chad on a great bull and to all involved that made the hunt a success. That is just too cool.

snipersmilie.gif
 
That's a fantastic story about a great hunt. Thanks for sharing that. Like HH said, it is hard to imagine what that young man has to endure each day. We should all count our blessings that we're mostly able to enjoy good health. That smaile of his says it all, he's hooked. I bet, and hope, that he'll be out there hunting again before too long.

Way to go, Chad! And, way to go Western Hunting on Wheels. People like you guys, with your spirit of sharing, are part of what makes hunting such a great tradition.
 
LAST EDITED ON Oct-03-08 AT 10:06AM (MST)[p]Hey Bowhunt, My name is Curtis I Own Monarch Mt. Taxidermy here in Utah. I do not know if you have found a taxidermist or not yet, but I would be more than willing to mount that bull free of charge for chad. Please call if interested. 801-518-2033
monarchtaxidermy.com
 
My hat goes off to all the people that helped with this hunt. The friends and family, the landowner and monarch taxidermy for offering to mount the bull for free. You guys are great
 
+1 Neverstophuntin!
This is the best post I have seen and it is awesome!
I do have to say this is what I like about to read about on here, successful stories of hunters helping others!

WAY TO GO!

Mntman

"Hunting is where you prove yourself"
 
Congrats on an great Bull Chad!! Way to go guys, this is just a awesome story here! Do not know anything about your operation but looks like you have a very good thing going there and hopefully you can keep it up.

Gotta say that last pic with the Bull & the truck is quite humorous, I can think of several captions for that one ;-)
Thanks for sharing the hunt.
Mark
 
Wow,

Congrats to a very courageous young man and a pile of people who obviously know what it means to help others out! That is a great story! Way to go Chad! That is a fine bull! Thanks for sharing.
 
Wow what a story. That's the best hunting story
these old eyes have seen in a long time. Congrats
to Chad, Ky and all envolved with such an outstanding
display of sportsmanship.
People who choose to help others with hunts or anything
else soon learn that special feeling you get when you
REALLY put someone else first. Thank you fellas for
helping that young man reach an almost unreachable
goal. Feels Great don't it . The free mount is a great
gesture also. Well Done Brothers !!!! Later Baker
 
elkhunter49 +1

Outstanding job guy's and congrats to you Chad!

Thanks for posting this, what an inspiration you all are!!
 
Congrats Chad! I'll bet he'll remember that hunt forever. What a great story and it really shows what hunting is all about. Thank you for sharing.
 
Absolutely AWESOME!!! Congratulations Chad!! Thats a beautiful bull and a great story. Thanks for sharing it.

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Later, Brandon
 
Wow! That is truly inspiring!! Way to go Chad, what an awesome trophy. Thanks for sharing this story Bowhunt, hats off to you guys for all the good work that you do. That is what its all about.
 
Awesome! Great Bull. Maybe Chad could give me some pointers on getting a big bull like that.

Looks like you got some friends that are good people.

Kicker
 
Congrats on a great Bull!! What an awesome hunt that must have been. Thanks for pic's and good luck in the future.
 
I have tears in my eye's.This is what makes The U.S.A. the best country in the world.God bless everybody that has helped on this hunt.
 
Chad did well! Great bull. Good to see he got out and pounded a big stinky!

You are a good man bowhunt.
 
That's what life is all about. Helping other people. You guys are awesome and what a stud bull. Congrats to the hunter. What a stud.
 
Great bull! What a rush getting a chance at a big bull like that and with your brother by your side - nice job!
 
Nice job guys. You're awesome to team up with Chops to make this dream come true for Chad. Congratulations to everyone. My hat is off to the taxidermist that offered to mount the elk for free. That is a heck of a nice gesture.
 
Ya know, just about the time a young guy like me starts thinking that huntin is all about the mighty dollar, a story like this comes along and restores your faith in sportsmen. Thank you all so much for sharing... Chad has some wonderful family and friends surrounding him. It's wonderful to see a person in his condition get out there with his family and enjoy life for what it is!!! Inspirational at the least!!! Thanks Chad!!! That is a beautiful animal you harvested!!!
 
Hey Monarch... I think its wonderful what you offered to do for these guys!!! I'll remember you if I ever am lucky enough to harvest a trophy... Kudos on the unselfish gesture... I think it really rounds out the hunting experience for these guys...
 
That's what it's all about right there! Great job Chad! Congratulations to everyone involved in the hunt and also the selfless taxidermist for volunteering his services. This is why I love hunting...

NvrEnuf
 
Great people do great things!!!! Congrats Chad and thanks to all who made this possible..Grabs at your heart strings....God bless all.
 
Chad,
Great job! It's nice to have friends and I can see by the look on your face you had a great hunt!
I hope someday I can shoot an Elk as nice as that one!

Again Congratulations on your fabulous ELK!!!!
 
Meander,
Yeah Chops is great! to let us hunt on this property! It is a GEM of a place, just perfect for this.
 
We need stories like this every once in a while to keep us grounded. We get too caught up in arguing over ethics and all the BS, that we forget how much Hunting truly means to all of us. Congrats a BIG BULL CHAD!!!
 
HI CHAD,
GREAT BULL!!! I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW YOUR BLOOD WAS FLOWING.LISTENING TO THE BUGLES AND SPOTTING THE COWS.GLAD TO HEAR THE STORY, THANKS FOR SHARING.
SIMO42
 
This is AWESOME!! You guys are a class act! It's good to know there are such great people on this forum! Monarch, where are you located? I will be giving your name to anyone who asks for a taxidermist. You guys ROCK!
 
By far the best hunting story of the year! Well done. Congrats to the hunter, and kudos to all who helped this young man on this hunt. This is a perfect example of what hunting is/should be. Thanks for sharing.

PRO

Define, develop, and sustain BOTH trophy and opportunity hunts throughout the state of Utah.
 
Is this not the reason we all come to this website?
What a story! Thanks for sharing with all of us blowhards.
 
Now that is a great story worth posting. In fact I'll admit that I'm a bit choked up at the moment. That is a great bull Chad, And that smile is enough to warm anyones heart. Congrats
Lambo
 
Now if that don't make a person smile nothing would.......great story and congrats Chad on putting the SMACK DOWN on an awesome bull!!!!
 
Great story. Congrats to Chad and a heartfelt well done to everyone who contributed to his success. I'm sure helping him to
get his elk felt better than getting your own. And to the taxidermist, I am sure you are going to make that elk look beautiful! Well done all!
 
That right there is what its all about.
Good job on a great bull he will never forget this hunt.
 
LAST EDITED ON Oct-03-08 AT 06:54PM (MST)[p]Chad that's a great bull, You was sure lucky to run into a bunch of classy guys, This story just rocks. I know that mount will be outstanding too, Talk about being a stand up guy. My hat is off to you guys, The whole bunch are the tops.
 
GREAT JOB TO ALL AND I AGREE THIS IS WHAT HUNTING TRULY IS ALL ABOUT.



BULLMANIA
 
Hey well done Chad I got all choked up just reading your story.
I have never killed a bull so I hope my first or my last one is as good as the one you took.

Archery is a year round commitment!!
 
Hats off to everyone that helped on such a great and rewarding hunt.
That's what I'm talking about Chad! Way to take care of business!

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Wow!!!! This is what hunting is all about!! Family and friends getting together for experiences that will last a lifetime!! Priceless!! Money can not buy this. I'm sure Denny Austad and the Mossback gang is not even as proud as this hunting party!!

Congrats Man!! You deserve it!!
 
Congrats to the entire group who made a hunt like this possible for the hunter ,Congrats Chad on a damn fine," BIG BULL ".
 
Stories like this are what make me proud to be in the hunting community. Congrats to Chad and the sportsman that helped him. Kudos to the taxidermist.... what an awesome gesture.
 
What an awesome hunt. Thanks for posting. Times are tough for a lot of folks and have been challenging for me as of late. But my challenges pale in comparison to what Chad has endured. Certainly this post has forced a lot of people think about how truly lucky they are. Hats off to Western Hunting on Wheels, the landowner, Chad?s family and anyone else involved with making this happen. And most importantly ? nice work Chad, congratulations?.
 
Congratulations Chad! You're the man.. +20 to all invloved. One heck of a story and one heck of a hunt I'm sure. Again, Congrats.
 
That's an awesome bull Chad, congratulations!

By far the best thread I've read on this website in many years!!!
 
Don't know if Chad is a member here to read this but..
Chad, your a BAD ASS HUNTER! keep up the good work and get out there as much as you can bro!
 
I was one of the lucky ones that was able to go on this hunt. It was a memory of a lifetime for everyone involved, especially Chad. None of this would have happened if it were not for Mike from Western Hunting on Wheels and the land owner Chops. These guys are some of the most unselfish individuals I have ever met. These two were willing to take off multiple days of work to help a complete stranger try to get an elk. How many of us would give up our own hunting days to help a stranger? If there are any of you that would like to get involved with this great organization visit their website www.westernhuntingonwheels.org or PM bowhunt. Or if anyone would like to donate funds or access to land, this will help make a dream come true for another individual with a disability. Words cannot express the emotions that were felt on this hunt. There is no better feeling!!!
 
I have known this family for almost a lifetime and have always looked up to Chad for his courage and everlasting will to be a happy and excited person. Chad always has a smile on his face and treats every day as if it were the best. Words cannot express how happy I am that Chad was able to have this experience. His brother Ky has always taken it upon himself to make opportunities for Chad to experience the great outdoors that we all have taken for granted at one time or another. Great job Ky for putting this together and congrats Chad! Hope to see you soon. -Cassidy
 
Congrats to Chad on his first bull. Im very much a fan of those fellow hunters that take the time to help out our wheel'n sportsman. I have a family memeber that is in a similar situation and there is not a better feeling to see the exicitement joy and happiness that comes to them when they get to take an animal.

Way to go Chad! Best of luck on future hunts!
 
LAST EDITED ON Oct-07-08 AT 08:48AM (MST)[p]Mike:
You are a saint! You have touched a lot of lives and hearts in a way that can never be re-paid! Thank you for your time and your involvement (not just this year but every year)! I mean it, THANK YOU!

Chad:
What an awesome first bull!!! I will probably live a life time trying to get a bull that good! Congratulations! To you and your family.

Ky:
You remind me of the song "He's not heavy..." Enough said! Congratulations to you all!
 
wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is so cool!!!! we all can learn from this man!!!!!!!! im hadnt read this post. a co moddoratore on big fish tacle of mine saw it and was compeld to share. this story moved him deeply. his account here was deactivated and he doesnt know why??? here you go brody. here ie his reply.
Stories like this hit me hard in the emotion department. I have always felt obligated to help persons with disabilities. This started back in elementary. I donated my lunch time to help the kids in the special needs class with games and the like. It has lasted my entire life. I will have memories of those times as long as i am alive.

I wanted to say to all involved, you may see first hand how much what you are doing means to a person but i don't think you will ever fully understand how much it means. My hats off to you guys.

As for the taxidermist who offered the mount, you are a person who is unselfish, caring and sincerely appreciated. I can see you don't worship the almighty dollar like some do and have a deeper respect for what is right. I will absolutely call you if i ever kill something worth the mount. I will donate my time in the eyes and lips of the hide and fleshing but i am sure you have it covered by someone faster.

Congrats to the hunter for harvesting such a beautiful animal.

I would also like more info about the hunts on wheels operation. I am going to contact them and offer whatever i can to help someone else experience this kind of opportunity.

Thank you all and keep it going.
brody.
 
Man! Thanks guys for all of the positive comments!
Looks like Monarch is lined up to do the mount, THANKS!!!
We will have our full story, video, etc on line soon.
We are also going to print out all of these great posts and give them to Chad, he will be touched I am sure.

Look at our web page when you get a minute:

westernhuntingonwheels.org
 

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