11 Year Old Boy With One Arm Bags His First Buck

Justin Ristine,
 
Justin came to Youth Outdoors Unlimited in March of 2011 with an interest in being able to hunt with his dad so his parents enrolled him in a hunter’s education class.  His mother, Jennifer, was pretty hesitant about Justin hunting because he only had one arm.  While in the hunter’s ed class, Justin’s family met another disabled youth, Mikey Williamson, who was taking his class; which is the first thing that Youth Outdoors Unlimited asks a youth to do if they have a desire to apply for a hunting trip.  Not only is this a requirement to get your hunting license, but it also helps our directors decide which youth are ready for a hunting adventure and which ones aren’t.  As we all know this is not about age but about the desire and cognitive ability to become a safe and ethical hunter. 
 
After Justin very successfully passed his class, Y.O.U. made arrangements for Justin to come to Central Washington for his first shooting training, one of four.    Well balanced gun rests and modified rifles are key for youth missing limbs or who shoot from a wheelchair as they don’t have the same stability as most youth.  Justin was hesitant at first but with hours of one on one coaching from hunt coordinator, Joe Carpenter, Justin soon became confident in handling the 243 rifle that he would be hunting with.  By the last training Justin was calling out shots and with incredible success in his accuracy.  Justin is a perfectionist and we were very confident in his ability to make a clean shot during his hunt.    
 
Justin’s hunt took place in Colfax, WA on private property offered up to Youth Outdoors Unlimited for one of our disabled youth.  Tom and Cheryl Kammerzell, owners of Maple K Farms, LLC were incredible.  Their instant love and connection with Justin was heart warming and showed through their hard work of preparation and communication to Youth Outdoors Hunt Coordinator, Joe Carpenter.  We enjoyed a great dinner and conversation around the campfire the night before Justin’s hunt as we talked about how incredible this young man was. 

Opening day the guys all headed to the blind that had been built and set on this property for months before Justin’s Hunt and the spotting crew Curt and Cindy headed to the hillside behind the hunting area to spot and prepare Justin for what deer movement was taking place.    These blinds (lumber donated by ProBuild)  are critical for a youth with a disability.  Not only comfort but for the extended equipment necessary for stability.  Hunt team in the blind  including Justin, was his dad Roy, his hunting guide Joe and his cameraman Jeff Burnworth.  The wait was on!  We all know the patience needed in hunting and Justin soon learned the hours of waiting and watching that would be necessary to become a successful hunter.  It would not be about the harvest of the animal but the hours of conversation with his hunting mates, the hours around the campfire and the excitement of that elusive buck.  Day one was filled with excitement and as they guys left the blind at the end of the day they talked about what tomorrow might bring. 

First day brought excitement and the opportunity to see lots of deer movement but no opportunity to get that buck that Justin had been dreaming of all year.  It was all good!  The time with his parents in deer camp and hanging out with his new hunting family (Youth Outdoors Unlimited) taught Justin what hunting is all about. 

Day two and the last day of Justin’s hunt brought another day of excitement.  We were all tired and the early morning heading for the blind is all about the experience.  This morning had some weather not necessarily prime for hunting.  The fog set in and as Justin and his hunt team sat in the blind for the morning they saw no deer movement.  They took a break after 6 hours of watching to head back to camp and get some much needed breakfast.  Joe talked with Justin again about the fact that hunting is not about a kill but had he had the trip of a lifetime.  Justin was excited and prepared for the fact that he may not get that opportunity all hunters hope for.  He was now a lifelong hunter and would look forward to the hunting season each year from now on. 

Day two, afternoon in the blind.  The weather had cleared up and the guys visited recounting the weekend and how great it was.   The deer weren’t moving and as we all waited for shooting hours to end, Wait!!!  On the hillside out the front blind window a buck walks out.  Justin didn’t have a clear shot so they waited to see if he’d move out to a shootable position.  Joe asked me if I could see this buck.  I had to move my position across the hillside to get a different view.  Yes, I had the buck in my binoculars and a second buck appears.  Now the hearts are pounding!!!!  Justin was ready and waiting for the OK from Joe that this buck was legal and he could take the shot.  Doing just like Joe had taught him:  Don’t look at the deer, pick the vital spot and get ready.  Like a lifelong experienced hunter Joe gave Justin the OK that this yes was the buck he could shoot and Boom….  That deer dropped!  Justin had made a clean shot through the heart  and as the congratulations rang and the tears from his Y.O.U. family fell we all got to the hillside where this 11 year old boy with one arm had completed the hunt of a lifetime. 

Youth Outdoors Unlimited, Y.O.U. is so incredibly proud to be a part of Justin’s first hunting experience.  He is the perfect example of the possibilities inspit of the disabilities.  We have other youth like Justin that we are honored to introduce to the great world of hunting and fishing.  Y.O.U. is a Central Washington based 501(c)3 non-profit corporation which takes youth diagnosed with a life threatening illness or physical disability on DREAM outdoor adventures. 

Thank you’s are a must for those companies that support Youth Outdoors Unlimited and our Youth.  Wholesale Sports in Burlington Washington outfitted Justing from head to toe.  Thank you Jay and your crew for providing a coat, bibs, boots, gloves, hats and a gear bag for Justin for his hunt.  He loved it and your company makes it easier for us to help more youth.  Also thank you to Bob Kenner, taxidermist in Moses Lake, WA who is doing a shoulder mount for Justin.   A big thank you to the Mule Deer Foundation who donated the 243 rifle to Youth Outdoors and to Aaron Davidson of Gunwerks and Paul Neese of Vortex Optics for the extensive gun modification which was done to make this rifle comfortable and safe for Justin to hunt with.  This rifle will remain in the Y.O.U. organization for future youth like Justin to hunt with.  Thank you again to Tom and Cheryl Kammerzell, property owners in Colfax, WA for opening your hearts and your property to our youth.  You are amazing and we are so honored to consider you both part of the Y.O.U. family!  Youth Outdoors Unlimited has funded the processing of Justin’s deer meat for the family to enjoy. 

If you would like more information or would like to make a financial contribution to help us on our mission to introduce these differently-abled youth to the outdoors please either visit our website at www.youthoutdoorsu.org or email us at you@youthoutdoors.com.  Wish It, Dream It, Do It!!!

Let the outdoor adventures begin…

Montana’s Trail Camera Ban

So what is everyones view as to Montana’s ban on trail cameras.  I honestly had not heard of the ban until I went there for an elk hunt.  Granted we had no intention of using trail cameras during our hunt but it did turn out to be a great topic of conversation at the lodge.

Here is the law straight from the regulation booklet.

“It is illegal for a person to possess or use in the field any electronic or camera device who’s purpose is to scout the location of game animals or relay the information on a game animal’s location or movement during any Commission adopted hunting season.”

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