Free Hunts for Sick Kids

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Up until February of 2003, Brigid's company Bio-Tec Research, Inc. (which manufactures deer and elk foods) covered all incidental expenses related to the dream hunting and fishing trips that were granted to sick and disabled kids. That's when Northland Cranberries, Inc. came on board to help out, along with Mathews, Inc., an archery company well-known to bowhunters. Hunting and fishing trips are all donated and 100% paid for by generous folks like owners of the hunting preserves where many of these dream trips take place. The only costs incurred by the hunters are transportation costs, unless they can't afford it, in which case USSA steps in to help out.

Organizations like USSA are needed because certain high-profile "wish-granting" groups have ceased honoring America's hunting heritage. Says Brigid, "Our nation's terminally ill and disabled children have both physical and emotional mountains to climb. Often, they dream about experiencing our outdoor heritage, but unfortunately many politically correct activist groups have successfully shut the door to these children's dreams in many other fine wish granting charities like 'Make A Wish.'

"United Special Sportsman Alliance (USSA) was created to help fulfill the dreams of those special children that dream about an outdoor fishing or hunting experience. Our outdoor sporting heritage has been part of the nation since its inception, and must continue to thrive in the future. Our nation's great natural beauty should be enjoyed by all Americans including the terminally ill and disabled."

During 2002 and the first half of 2003, Brigid's project provided over 150 dream hunts and other outdoor activities for the disabled and terminally ill, and she said that as of June, 2003 she was getting an average of two to three new "clients" per day. Talk about a worthwhile pursuit growing by leaps and bounds - wow!

Young Dallas poses with his porker, along with guide Charlene Long.
Photo copyright 2003 by USSA

If the past and present provide any indication of what USSA will be doing in the future, things are looking up indeed for this worthy endeavor. If you or someone you know would like to help out by sponsoring this project or donating a hunt, please contact USSA (don't forget to tell them you read about them here at About.com's Hunting and Shooting site):

USSA
7864 Shotwell Rd.
Pittsville, WI 54466
Phone: (715) 884-2256
Fax: (715) 884-7388
Email: biotec@tds.net
http://www.deerfood.com

To read about just a few of the dream hunts that USSA has granted (and see some more photos of happy kids), please visit the online forum where they post hunt reports. I will soon be experiencing one of these hunts for myself, and I will be sure to let you know how it turns out. I can't imagine it being anything less than a life-changing experience... helping kids is its own reward, especially when you're helping them to enjoy our American hunting heritage.

Russ Chastain

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