The Essence of UFFDA

By Daniel James Hendricks

The first wave of Upper Midwest bowhunters hit the heavily wooded acres of Camp Wilderness on the afternoon of September 28, 1997. They pulled trailers packed to capacity with food, 4 wheelers, and temporary dwellings. These early arrivals were staff members of the UNITED FOUNDATION FOR DISABLED ARCHERS and would spend the next 3 days preparing for the appearance of the rest of the cast. A cast that would include people from all walks of life, but one whose members share the same philosophy.….a tremendous love for the outdoors, for the bow and arrow and even more important, a compassionate love for their fellow man.

This was the third campaign for these dedicated missionaries and each member of the group knew exactly what had to be done and what their responsibilities entailed. Monday through Wednesday, people continued to appear and preparations were completed for the coming of the rest of the staff who would travel from the far corners of the region.

By the time Thursday morning dawned, Camp Wilderness was like a huge ant hill. People moved back and forth, all filled with excited anticipation over the special guests who were due to arrive throughout the day. By midday, the hunters began to roll into camp, ready to begin their hunt for the elusive Minnesota whitetail deer.

They came from New York, Texas and Wisconsin as well as from all across Minnesota.

Some were blind (as in the photo above), some were in wheelchairs and the rest used an assortment of walking aids. In spite of their different disabilities, they all shared two characteristics….a huge, warm smile and a lot of excitement over what the next few days would bring.

The deer herd had experienced 2 consecutive, extremely hard winters in this part of Minnesota. Consequently, the 1997 archery and rifle season was limited to bucks only. The DNR, however, had decreed that the 1997 UFFDA Camp Wilderness Hunt would be a special event in which the 25 hunters with disabilities could take a buck or a doe during the 4 days that the hunt would span. This kindness helped to spark the spirits of the staff and hunters alike. It demonstrated the willingness of the state to help make a difference for this special class of outdoors people.

By mid afternoon, the hunters and their guides were headed into the field for stands that had been set up during the previous 3 days. The scouting for deer had begun early Monday morning. By the time the hunters had arrived, the staff had dozens of sites that would accommodate the special needs of the archers. There were double stands set up for the blind hunters and their spotters. Special ground blinds had been constructed especially for wheelchair accessibility. Others were built that met the special needs of those who used crutches and walkers. All had been prepared and were now waiting to be filled with dedicated and excited archers.

The first very night of the hunt, an 8-point buck was taken by Minnesota bowhunter, Karl Denly and his guide Delmer Bentz. Karl was back at the UFFDA Camp Wilderness Hunt for his second consecutive year. His buck was the first animal that he had taken since he had broken his back in a fall from a grain dryer, 2 ½ years earlier.

As the camp’s entire population gathered around the successful hunter and his guide to take pictures and offer congratulations, the

blinding smiles of Karl and Delmer were testimony to the joy and pride that each felt about the hunter’s memorable achievement. He had gone from believing that he would never again hunt to harvesting (and I quote) "The most important animal I have ever taken!" He was wheelchair bound, but he had returned to the wild and had overcome his challenges with the help of his UFFDA family members. He and his lovely wife, Bonnie were ecstatic over his accomplishment and so was every person there.

Friday brought an evening rain and no new additions to the camp’s meat pole. The day was filled with planned activities, hearty food and wonderfully warm fellowship by all who shared the bounds of Camp Wilderness. Each and every person, who was present at this mission, was well aware of the fact that this gathering was not about taking deer. It was about the loving, caring and sharing of archery among the people who call themselves bowhunters. It was about hunters doing something positive to make our world a better place to live. And above all, it was about the camaraderie of hunters partaking in a natural ritual, which has been handed down since the beginning of time. The ritual of working together for the benefit of the whole.

Saturday brought the sunshine back and 2 more animals were taken during the evening hunt. Chad Waligura, a young hunter from Texas, and his guide, Russ Kalk harvested a huge doe. Chad hunts from a wheelchair and proudly bagged his Minnesota whitetail, just after sunset. He and his father, Randy had come the farthest for the hunt. They both graciously expressed their pleasure at being able to be a part of the UFFDA spirit and tradition that was being shared by all at Camp Wilderness.

The third animal was taken by Minnesota hunter, Jim Branum and his faithful guide, Tony Obowa. This team connected with a beautiful doe, during the last hours of daylight. Jim earned his animal, not by only shooting it, but by tracking it, as well. He paid a heavy and pain filled price, physically, but the pride and satisfaction that he earned from the ordeal lit him up like a Christmas tree. He was tired and worn, but the pleasure of his success could not be dampened by any physical discomfort.

Each hunter who attended this year’s event had their own stories to share about their personal encounters with the wily whitetail deer. Most were stories of the whitetail’s victory and the lessons the were learned from the animal’s triumph. Good-natured teasing and badgering was handed out, which only enriched the bonding that was taking place between all who were involved.

The most profound lesson being taught, throughout the entire event, was that to truly receive, one must give. Each person at Camp Wilderness gave of their time, their resources and above all, they gave of themselves. If our great sport of bowhunting is to continue to grow and become stronger, it can not be the solitary sport that so many claim it to be. It must be nurtured by sharing it with all people, regardless of age, sex or physical abilities.

Through the unselfish sharing and team work demonstrated by the 1997 UFFDA Camp Wilderness Hunt, even more folks will come to appreciate archery and bowhunting for what it should be….a sport where great people get together and do good things for one another.The people who shared this years event all have one thing in common. They realize that through unselfish giving, every one wins. The laughter,the tears and the victories shared at this event belong, equally, to every person who was there. The sports of archery and bowhunting gained as much from the 1997 UFFDA Camp Wilderness Hunt as did the people who made it happen. I pray that the efforts and the growth of the United Foundation For Disabled Archers will continue to be strong. Also that more people will follow the example of this very special group of bowhunters by putting back into a sport, which has given us all so much.
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