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.
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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
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Irvine while their training complex is finished in Thousand Oaks.A lot of firsts
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it, and were going to enjoy it.The Rams have plenty of work to do when they
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months to wear off, the players and coaches are eager to show progress this fall
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ground running coming up.The Rams will begin several position battles this
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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.
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