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onths.Its definitely a little bit of a distrac

BOSTON -- For more than 40 years, paraplegic hunters have gathered in the predawn darkness around Massachusetts for an opportunity that would otherwise be difficult, if not impossible. Cheap Chiefs Jerseys 2017 .The specialized deer hunt brings together sportsmen and women, volunteers and workers from the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for three days every fall.John Pelletier broke his back when he fell out of a tree stand while hunting in 2004, and the program has allowed him to continue what he calls his passion. He now takes his .50-caliber muzzle-loader to the Massachusetts Military Reservation on Cape Cod to hunt every year.Some guys get a mistress when they hit 40; I started hunting, said a laughing Pelletier, 57, of Westport, who uses a specialized wheelchair with what he describes as mountain bike tires that give him better maneuverability in the wild. These hunts really afford me the opportunity to get back in the woods like I did before.Most states make accommodations for disabled hunters, said Bill Fertig, director of the resource center at the United Spinal Association, a New York-based organization that advocates for improving the quality of life of people living with spinal cord injuries.But Massachusetts is among fewer than a dozen states that set aside special seasons and specific hunting areas for the disabled. Many offer waived or reduced fees for disabled hunters, allow them to hunt from their vehicles or allow the use of specialized equipment which hunters who have full use of their legs are not allowed to use.Being able to do what you used to do, or what everybody else can do, especially if its your passion, is part of what makes you who you are, Fertig said.Trina Morruzi, a wildlife biologist with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife who has been coordinating the program for 16 years, said it started in 1972 when a group of paraplegic sportsmen went to state legislators and got a statute passed establishing the three-day hunt, held Thursday, Friday and Saturday this year.The number of sites where the hunt is offered has grown over the years, giving more people the opportunity to participate.This year it was held in five spots -- in Williamstown and Mount Washington in the Berkshire Mountains; in a wildlife area near the Quabbin Reservoir, the states largest body of water; at the former Fort Devens army base; and on Cape Cod, a site added in 2011.About 25 to 30 disabled hunters participate every year, along with dozens of volunteers and state workers. The state allows anyone who doesnt have use of their legs to participate, Moruzzi said. In the past, at least two quadriplegic hunters have participated with highly specialized equipment, although there were none this year, she said.Volunteers scout out the woods in the days before the hunt, looking for the best places to set up blinds, said Dave Esielionis, 71, of Shirley, a volunteer at the Devens location. They place plywood in the woods so wheelchairs dont get stuck in mud.They meet before dawn on hunt days, helping hunters out of their vehicles and escorting them to the sites. They check on them during the day, and if they get a deer, they help them haul their game out of the woods.The harvest rate for the paraplegic hunt is about the same as the as the harvest rate for all hunters, Moruzzi said. Eric Berry Jersey . It might not have mattered. While the Dodgers are preparing for the playoffs, the Padres showed their future has promise behind two rookies. Tamba Hali Jersey . -- Peyton Manning will have all of his wide receivers available for the first time in a month when the Denver Broncos begin their playoff run Jan. http:///...c-eric-fisher-jersey . - Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie never doubted he would bring back coach Dennis Allen for a third year despite back-to-back 4-12 records. IRVINE, Calif. -- Case Keenum was pretty sure he hadnt been on a bicycle since he was about 12 years old.The quarterback struggled to get his bike over the low curb as he rolled up to the Los Angeles Rams training camp at UC Irvine on Thursday.Even when theyve got both feet on the ground, this whole year is a remarkable new challenge for the Rams. But relocation hasnt dampened their enthusiasm for the possibilities of a new season.I think itll be exciting, Keenum said after riding his new mode of transportation up to the players dorm complex. First time back in LA. First time back in the Coliseum, and it goes on and on from there. Im just excited to get on the field.The Rams veterans officially began arriving in Orange County on Thursday, and their first public practice is scheduled for Saturday.With HBO cameras filming their every move for the Hard Knocks documentary series, theyve begun roughly five weeks of camp in Irvine while their training complex is finished in Thousand Oaks.A lot of firsts here, yeah, Keenum said. The first time cameras have followed me into my dorm when Im checking in at training camp. The first time theres a camera in our meeting room, a lot of that stuff. ... But its still football. This comes with it, and were going to enjoy it.The Rams have plenty of work to do when they begin workouts. While the newness of their surroundings will probably take months to wear off, the players and coaches are eager to show progress this fall after the franchises fourth straight losing season under coach Jeff Fisher.At least their moving arrangements are largely finished, with nearly everybody settled into homes near their permanent base. Training camp will be long, but the veteran Rams only see opportunities for bbonding. Patrick Mahomes II Jersey. Its been a hassle, but its a great feeling just to have something new to look forward to, left tackle Greg Robinson said.Im pretty sure that nobody else is going through what were going through, but well just stick together as a team, and hopefully we have one of the best camps weve ever had. The way we transition is going to make the team stronger.Keenum has already got to work with No. 1 draft pick Jared Goff and the other key components of the Rams passing game. They spent time working together between offseason workouts and training camp, trying to build chemistry before the preseason.We thought wed try to work a little bit and not just sit around on the couch and eat Cheez-Its all summer, Keenum said.No, we had a really good summer. I think we made a jump. Guys stuck around, worked hard. I think I saw just about every receiver and tight end we had out at throwing sessions. I think we made a step forward, and Im looking to hit the ground running coming up.The Rams will begin several position battles this weekend, particularly on defense. The departures of secondary mainstays Janoris Jenkins and Rodney McLeod have opened up two starting jobs.Cody Davis is eager to compete for McLeods role at free safety, and moves into camp with a clear head after the upheaval of the past six months.Its definitely a little bit of a distraction, Davis said of relocation. Youve got just to focus that much harder. Weve got a lot of things that we need to do, but it hasnt really affected my training at all.---Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' ' 
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