Hunt of a Lifetime is
suppose to be for the hunter, so I thought. It was a hunt of a lifetime
for me. I had the pleasure of spending time with a whole lot of great
people and two great young men. When I volunteered to help I had no idea
what to expect. I set my expectations high and what I got back was higher
than I could have ever imagined. We camped out at the “Bar D Ranch” (owned
by Bruce Johnson) just East of Sedona and I-17.
The first
hunter is Cody Malone (age 12) accompanied by his father Craig and his
cousin Kyler Hoffman (age 6). They drove in from Denver Colorado; they had
been on the road for 2 days and arrived on Thanksgiving Day. Cody is
mobile by the use of a motorized wheel chair. He zipped around camp and
always was looking for ways to help. He never said “NO” and his great
attitude was off the page. The challenging part was trying to find ways to
get elk to come to him. Cody can not hold a gun up so the staff attached a
worm drive arm controlled by a joy stick that Cody would use to move his
weapon into position, find his target through the scope and pull the
trigger. We had a blind that would cover Cody, the wheel chair, the gun
and support along with Chris Denham his guide. Chris set up at water holes
in the evening and during the day we spent many hours glassing and moving
into position.
This went on
for seven days until the very last day when Chris and Craig (Cody’s
father) spotted some elk on a hill side. Cody finally had a shot. This
shot was long and Cody connected wounding the elk in the shoulder. Cody
has a CHAMP permit and this permit allows an assigned person to track and
put down any game that is wounded. Chris was assigned this duty. Chris
circled around the top of the hill, but the brush was so thick and the elk
on the move that a shot never presented it self. We continued to track the
elk and could not catch up. AZGFD allowed Chris, Craig and Lee Hop (Howell
Wildlife Outfitters Guide) an extra day to find the wounded elk and put
him down. Friday morning came and Chris, Craig and Lee continued to track
this elk. Lee was holding nothing back and brought out his horse. The
weather turned and rain started coming down very hard but they didn’t give
up. The wounded elk kept a few moves ahead and day turned into night. Even
though Cody didn’t bag his elk he did manage to win the hearts of everyone
at camp. I really hope that he comes back next year so that we can pick up
where we left off.
Our second
hunter is Thomas Widenhofer (age 15) accompanied by his father Walter and
his best friend Isaiah (age 15). The Widenhofer’s flew into Phoenix on
Friday and met Isaiah who flew in from Pittsburgh. Thomas is going through
chemotherapy and could only walk for about half a mile and needed to rest.
Thomas like Cody was also hunting water holes in the evening and spent
many days glassing during the day. Lee Hop was the assigned guide for
Thomas and spent every minute trying to do his best to get him an elk.
Thomas took a few shots at elk and missed. He connected on the last day of
the hunt when he bagged a 6X6 bull elk.
Both young men have made an impact in every person they met during our
hunt. I can speak for everyone by saying that today we are better people
and appreciate life more than ever. Emotionally and spiritually I have
been touched by Cody and Thomas. Our hats go off to their family and
friends because it is not easy and can not imagine what they go through
everyday. Cody and Thomas have needs that you and I take for granted. I am
grateful for everything, even my aches and pains. God works in mysterious
ways when he brings a 12 and 15 year old into our lives. I cried when I
had to say good bye and those tears where of sadness and joy. I have new
friends for life.
Many people
are to thank for making this a “Hunt of a Lifetime” for all who
participated. I know that we will all do it again when the time comes.
Gary “Goose” Howell and Sue Howell (Howell
Wildlife Outfitters and Obregon Outfitter), Lee Hop, Marilyn Hop, Bryce
Hop and Luke Hop (Howell Wildlife Outfitters), Justin Scarbrough (Howell
Wildlife Outfitters), Chris Denham, Carla Denham, Mark Denham, Courtney
Denham (Western Hunter Magazine) (Guide) and their dog Chimichanga who
guarded the camp.
Bruce Johnson (Owner of
the Bar D Ranch). Randy Krecklow, Scott Fritz, Shane Fritz, Ray Brooks and
out two new members Bill and Nancy Haug all from Chandler Rod and Gun
Club. Special thanks go to Craig and Cody Malone and Kyler Hoffman, Walter
and Thomas Widenhofer and Isaiah.
If you wish
to visit Thomas Widenhofer’s website it’s
www.tommywidenhofer.com
Elk hunt in Arizona…you gotta be
kidding me, I was so excited for Cody when we received the phone call. I
consider myself a die hard elk hunter, and I would kill for the
opportunity to chase big bulls through Arizona! 1 application, some signed
forms by the doctor, 1 month later and we received the call, Cody was
going to Arizona for a “Hunt of a Lifetime”.
Cody Malone is my son whom is now
12 years old. At 14 months old we received the worst news parents could
imagine. Our perfect little angel had a life shortening disease; he was
diagnosis with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II. SMA is a progressive
neuromuscular disease that is destroying my son’s ability to do anything.
It is destroying his primary muscles (motor muscles) and is now moving
into his secondary muscles (organ function).
Most parents watch their kids grow
and play sports, join bands, drive, and so on…I slowly watch my angel
wither away. Some days, I wonder if today is the day that things turn for
the worst. I don’t plan for the future, Cody and I take each day one day
at a time, and we try to enjoy as much as we can. So when Cody developed a
love for the outdoors, and wanted to try the hunting sports I love so
much, I was ecstatic. It is just another excuse to spend time with my boy!
One day he watched the hunting
channel and wrote down a website:
www.huntofalifetime.org
He told me “Dad, I really want to
try hunting elk on my own”. I had always made excuses, to be honest I
wanted him to hunt with me, but I was scared. I knew it meant so much, and
I did not know if I could make it happen the way he deserved. I him-hawed
around, trying to fabricate another excuse, but that little butt was ready
for me. He educated himself and was able to argue his point. My little
baby was developing into a young man! So we did it, printed the
application. We completed the application, got the doctors okay and
signature and away it went…..that simple. Elk Hunting, a simple request
for some folks, a dream for my son.
He got it! The phone rang, we got
the news and done deal. Now we wait. Have you ever told a child he got the
thing he wanted the most? Then told them now they have to wait 4 months??!
For those of you that don’t have kids or your kids are young, 12 year olds
do not have much patience. So 4 months and many headaches later, we are on
our way. Arizona here we come!!
The Hunt of a lifetime group is,
well I honestly can not put into words how great they are. I had nothing
to worry about, nothing to plan. They asked a couple of questions and they
take care of everything. Clothing, all provided by Cabela’s. Firearm with
optics, provided by Savage Arms. Even transportation, they handled
everything. No worries, no issues. The support staff and coordinating
staff will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
We drove, most folks fly. We drove
for two reasons: first, I am not accustom too much help or financial
“giving” from people and I wanted to keep cost as low as possible. Second:
my son required a lot of medical equipment and adaptive equipment. His
power wheelchair weighs well over 350 lbs, he requires breathing
assistance at night (2007 has not been a good year for lung function), he
needs oxygen for daytime emergencies, he also is unable to move his arms
well and required a static gun mount for his wheelchair, and then all our
gear. Imagine trying to get all that to one place and intact via the
airlines!
All loaded up, hit the road, and
16 hours later we arrive to camp and all I can say is WOW. Everybody was
there; just waiting…all these wonderful people gave up their time and
their Thanksgiving to be here for us. UNBELIEVABLE!! Thanksgiving dinner
was great, getting to meet and get to know everyone, and planning the
upcoming hunt. Cody was actually treated like royalty!
How are we gonna do it? This is
the question Chris Denham and I shared. The kid has the heart, he has the
desire…but how can we make it happen? Imagine 2 guys, one not familiar
with power wheelchairs and one too familiar with them, and big F250 not
meant to get stuck anywhere, and a kid with a 350 lbs power chair. Then
top it all off, we got to get him set-up in front of the elk with his
static gun mount. Wanna talk about a nightmare!! Guess what, after a few
tries, Chris and I had it down like art…less than 2 minutes and we could
unload the chair, set Cody up in it, attached the static gun mount, load
his gun, mount the rifle to the gun mount, and get him positioned for a
shot. All that, just hoping the elk would cross in front of Cody,
seriously all that work just hoping and praying this set-up would be the
one.
I am going to be very blunt and
honest; we were there to harvest Cody’s bull elk. That is all that
was on my mind, he wanted an elk and we were gonna do just that. But let
me tell you this, after the first 48hrs, I could care less if we even saw
another elk. I wanted Cody to get his bull deep in my heart, but we made
friends. I am not talking about guys and gals that are fun to hang with
every now and again, but life long friends that will always be in our
hearts. The compassion, the drive, the desire, and the love you only hope
for…well folks we found it. We found it on a ranch near Sedona Arizona and
found it in the group that I can say I am honored to know…The Arizona
Chapter of Hunt of a Lifetime, the group from Chandler Rod and Gun, and
finally the HWO group (Howell Wildlife Outfitters)
I could go into detail on the
hunt, but why? Was it a success? Is there a huge mount at the
Taxidermist? I can honestly say it was the most successful hunt I could
have ever hoped for. Cody’s desire and love for hunting is even stronger,
the people we now call friends for life, and the special moments and bonds
I shared with my son…Yes, a very successful hunt.
I truly do not think anyone
realizes the impact you folks have on these kids, let alone on us parents
who always struggle to give everything our angel’s want and need…things
that come natural to all of us. The Hunt of a Lifetime organization and
all those people that give their time, energy, donations, and heart are
rare rays of sunshine in what is often a gloomy world I dwell in. If
anyone has a chance to participate or be involved in any activities that
are sponsored or put on by Hunt of a Lifetime, I can only say I hope you
take advantage of it. It will be a truly blessed experience you will
cherish for all your life.
I wish I could pass on thanks to
everyone by name, but I am still absorbing the experience we shared in
Arizona. Goose, Lee, and the rest at HWO I appreciate all you did, and I
appreciate each of you. You will forever share a special spot in my heart
and Cody loves you (Lee I owe you a special thank you and you know
why)…talk about a group of guys that go beyond what is needed. Chris &
Mark Denham, you both should know where you stand with Cody and I, we look
forward to some additional father/son adventures! Eddie, you and the crew
from Chandler Rod and Gun, I can not even put into words the impact you
had on us…Thank You. The Arizona Fish & Game, I tell you the local warden,
wildlife manager for 6A-AWESOME. These poor guys always get the bad from
folks. Hats off to you for all you did for Cody.
I wish I could thank you all, but
I am not going to even insult anyone by trying to put it in words…I can’t.
What everyone did, the time they gave up, the long hours of work…all I can
say, and I truly say it from the heart, Thank You, God Bless you…you made
my angel’s dream come true. Each of you is an angel in my book and will be
welcome by our fire anytime. Thank You.
From
The Father of a
special angel
THANK YOU FROM THE WIDENHOFER'S
To All:
It is hard to express my gratitude
in words to everyone involved in making Thomas' hunt of a lifetime a
reality. This was truly a first class operation in every aspect. The
professionalism, courtesy, and genuine caring expressed towards my son was
remarkable. The Hunt of a Lifetime support staff understood the importance
of the simple joys in life that are associated with kind gestures in an
unexpected nature that lift a person’s spirits. Tom grew up with hunting
all around him on a regular basis and it made sense to everyone when he
became interested in a Hunt of a Lifetime. Only other outdoors men can
truly appreciate what was said through the selfless acts of compassion and
love which were put in the form of hunting, tracking and guiding.
The ability of the Hunt of a
Lifetime support staff to transpose their compassion and love for my son
into hunting, tracking, and harvesting his elk was awesome and inspiring.
I was truly moved watching his pride and achievement during the hunt. I
never thought a single gun shot could touch my heart so deeply but when
Thomas' elk finally fell; there was an overwhelming feeling of joy in my
heart. My emotions have ran high throughout Tom's illness and overflowed
once Tom harvested his elk. As the song states "with a smile on my face
and a tear in my eye" I admired with glowing pride my son's achievement.
Thomas harvested his elk on November 29, 2007
at around 10:30 am. This date is forever etched in our minds because
exactly one year earlier November 29, 2006 at 10:30 AM, Thomas was lying
in surgery having his first of two major brain surgeries to remove a
tumor. Now, this date shall also be etched in our hearts. We could have
never envisioned, only one year later, being in the Coconino National
Forest harvesting a trophy elk. What an awesome accomplishment!
Everyone involved in the Hunt of a
Lifetime should take pride in everything they did to make this possible
for Thomas. Without HOAL, Thomas would not have been able to experience
this wonderful journey. This hunt educated Tom in so many ways, he has
displayed caring and concern for the other HOAL hunter as he openly
cheered for him to harvest an elk. That in itself also gave me pride to
see that he truly understood why we there.
The guidance and friendship obtained
while on this excursion not only broadened my son as an outdoors men but
enriched h is entire life. He and I are both better people today by the
genuine love and compassion from Hunt of a Lifetime. Although this may
have been a small undertaking in the big picture it has made an
immeasurable impact on my son's life and his journey with cancer.
Once again be extremely proud of
what you do for these kids because it transcends well past the Hunt of a
Lifetime and brings a great enrichment to each child's Life. You have
touched our hearts, enriched our lives, made us better people and enhanced
our journey with Tom's battle with cancer. Take strong pride in your
accomplishment as Tom harvested much more than a trophy elk on this HUNT
OF A LIFETIME. Thank You.
With The Most Sincere Thanks,
Walter and Arlene Widenhofer
Hiring Gary Howell and hid
team would be something I would recommend. I had the pleasure of working
with the HWO team with Hunt of a Lifetime program in 2007 bull elk hunting
season. He and his team where and are true professionals. They took the
time to think of everything that was needed and asked many questions of
the 2 young gifted hunters and also their parent. The more information
they had the better results could be provided for an opportunity to take a
nice bull. We as a whole team had not worked together before and all we
had was email and phone contacts with each other. Not knowing what to
expect or if everyone will get along. I never felt so welcomed by everyone
and I was just the cook. I saw Goose, Lee and Chris work with our young
hunters for a week. All I can say is “WOW”; they sure made a lifetime
experience for not just the kids and family but for me as well. Team work
and communication between everyone on this hunt was awesome. It takes a
well organized group and positive people to work together and make a camp
of 20 plus people all have fun for 7 days. You will want to keep in
contact with them I know this because I keep in contact with them all.
Thanks Eddy Corona
