Lifestyle

New Deer Blinds Open Doors for Special Hunters [VIDEO]

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Most kids are ebullient with excitement at the prospect of spending a cool, crisp morning in a deer blind with their dad. The first father-son hunting trip could be considered one of the most quintessential bonding experiences a Texas Hill Country child could have with their father.

However, for Elias Brown, a hunting trip with his dad seemed out of reach. Elias has a prosthetic leg and climbing in and out of a deer blind presented him with significant challenges.

But thanks to Texas Parks and Wildlife in coordination with support from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Elias proudly took home his first deer last December.

Late last year, Texas Parks and Wildlife staff at Inks Lake State Park constructed four deer blinds specially equipped for those with physical limitations. Differences include accessibility at ground level, increased size, and non-skid carpeting for easier maneuverability, and lowered windows.

For Elias, it was a dream come true. He brought down his first deer with his first shot on his very first hunting trip. Other participants of the mentored hunt also recounted positive experiences.

In fact, the hunt was so successful that Texas Parks and Wildlife is planning to construct more ADA deer blinds and organize additional mentored hunts for the future. It’s probably not a stretch to think that Elias and his dad will be back. In fact, one look at that smile says it all.

For a schedule of all the events at Inks Lake State Park, check out their website here.