West Virginia Wildlife from Eyewitness News

Hunters Helping

This is the season of giving, and for some lucky young men, the right group of folks donated their time this month to give them a day to remember.

December 21, 2005
Reporter: Patrick McMurtry
Videographer: Brad Rice

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Ricky Chilgren/Randolph County says:
"This is the first year I've ever done it and I like it."

Ricky Chilgreen is talking about his trip to the Tyler Rod and Gun Club. These guys got together to take four handicapped hunters into the woods for a shot at a doe and that's exactly what they got. For Ricky, one shot was all he needed.

"Looking through the scope and seen the deer and one shot and the deer was history."

Homer Tinney/DNR says:
"It was a joy, we were driving down the road and everybody got in a safe position and he took 125 shot and just dropped it right there. Everybody got excited, he was excited. It was a good time."

"He was very tickled, we was high fiving and everything after the shot because the deer dropped right off the bat. He was giving me high fives and they were gutting the deer, he said you know I plan on coming back next year if they'll have me."

That's what it's all about for these men with the guns, and the men in the hills helping them find deer.

"We've got 4 hunters out here today and we're bonna try to get them a deer."

It's also a self esteem builder for these hunters who've lost so much. They might not be able to walk, but they can still hunt...With the help of some new friends. It all worked out, all four bagged a doe and everyone here had a good time.

"This rod and gun club has been tremendous to us. They opened their door to us and people have made donations of food and money so we could feed everybody here and it's a real deer camp where you can have a real fire. The participants and us, we've enjoyed it."