I don't know about you but, these individuals look like they are truly enjoying the sport of fishing. The young man holding the sign in this picture is also featured in the picture with a stinger of fish that would put most of us to shame. Chicagoland as with other non-profit organizations, depends on a lot of volunteers and donations of equipment to provide access for the disabled to enjoy the same freedom as those of us without disabilities. Just to give you an idea, I have provided a short list of the items needed to help. For complete information and more photos, just follow the link for "Chicagoland Fishing" below.

NEW: No Limits Fishing Locations & Events for 2000

JOIN BUCKMASTERS NEW QUADRIPLIGIC HUNTERS ASSOCIATION By David Sullivan Among all classifications of impaired hunters, individuals who suffer from paralysis of all four limbs have the toughest ‘row to hoe’ getting back into the woods. Quadriplegics or quads, as these people are known, have a severe spinal cord injury in the neck region. Very few of them have any leg function at all. The usage of arms varies from none, to near normal. Almost all individuals who suffer a neck/spinal cord injury have very limited use of the hands and wrists. Most recent surveys indicate that there may be as many as 75,000 quadriplegics in the US alone. After a life changing injury, someone with quadriplegia will go through months of rehabilitation and therapy in order to become as independent as possible. Some will need the aid of an attendant for the rest of their lives while other may require only a little help every now and then. Up until recent times it wasn’t uncommon for someone with any level of quadriplegia to be placed in a nursing home for the rest of his or her life. Today, quads are leading very near-normal lives with some obtaining jobs, building families and yes even hunting. The average quadriplegic is male, about 30 years old and gets about in an electric-joystick controlled wheelchair. More than likely his quadriplegia was caused by an automobile accident, disease, a diving accident, or a tree stand accident (if he was previously a hunter). He is on disability and gets less than $15,000 per year in benefits from which to feed his family. His yearly medical bills are astronomical, dwarfing those encountered by the average family. Following injury and rehabilitation, most quads who previously hunted possess a great desire to get back out into the woods. The first and most obvious obstacle will be shooting again, whether it is rifle, shotgun or bow. Since each quad is so specific in the nature and extent of his injury, varying difficulties will be encountered with each element needed. The four elements are holding the gun or bow, windage movement, elevation movement and operation of the trigger. Finding an adequate place to hunt, and getting there, is the second obstacle encountered by quad hunters. There are so many different types of terrain and different situations in this great country, that, solving this problem is anything but simple. One thing is for sure though, the quad hunter will need the aid of a mechanical devise, or some good-strong friends, to get to his deer stand. Over the years Buckmasters has developed relationships with quadriplegic hunters from all over the nation. Their motivation and self-determination has touched the lives of hundreds of people involved with our hunting programs. The individuals who hunted with us in the past were some of the lucky ones. They were fortunate enough to have the resources needed to get back to doing what they enjoyed most. Unfortunately, many are left, waiting on someone with special knowledge to assist them, or to save up enough money to purchase the equipment so desperately needed. Through our grants for adaptive equipment Buckmasters has provided thousands of dollars worth of adaptive equipment to quads that were previously not able to hunt. As the program becomes more popular among the disabled community, so does the demand for financial assistance. In 1998 the average gun mount system purchased by Buckmasters for quad-hunters cost between $1,500 and $2,000. We committed to meeting every legitimate need demonstrated in 1998, but the funding just wasn’t available. Buckmasters has created a special niche for quad hunters, the Buckmasters Quadriplegic Hunters Association. This assembly is made up of new and experienced quad hunters, as well as volunteers who wish to assist them. Through the Buckmasters web site, email, phone conversations and periodic mailings, members of the BQHA will communicate with one another offering help, advise, fellowship, opportunities and information. The main objective is to get quadriplegic hunter talking to one another throughout the US and Canada. Jeff Lucas of Hyde Park, NY will coordinate the BQHA effort. Jeff is a quad hunter himself, and has always focused on improving the quality of life for other quadriplegics. The members of BQHA help newly injured quads assess their level of injury to better decide what adaptive equipment and hunting techniques are needed. It is common for a new quad, as well as his friends and family, to underestimate the ability he will develop to shoot a gun or bow. In some cases fully mechanical gun and bow rests are needed, but by learning what others have designed and come up with, many quads will be surprised at what they can do on their own. Buckmasters remains committed to try and meet every legitimate need expressed through grants for adaptive equipment. The BQHA will assist us with raising funds for these and other aspects of the program. Fortunately, we already have a jump start on this account with the assistance provided by proceeds of the Jeff Foxworthy ’10 Reasons You Might be a Redneck Deer Hunter’ T-shirt. Each year BQHA will award at least one Dream Hunt to an outstanding quad who has a dream we all share, but lacks the financial resources to make it come true. The association will raise funding to support events strategically planned for quad hunter’s and their specific needs. HOW YOU CAN HELP QUADRIPLEGIC HUNTERS Anyone can help. Experienced quads have a great deal to offer a newly injured or inexperienced quadriplegic hunter, saving them much of the time, sweat and frustration they went through. New quad hunters can help themselves by seeking knowledge from these seasoned mentors. Volunteer members who aren’t quads can help with; conducting events, fabricating and designing equipment, raising funds and promoting public awareness. HOW TO GET INVOLVED There is no membership fee for BQHA at this time. As the association grows a small membership fee will be instituted to cover the cost of printing, postage, and hopefully a toll free information line. Get involved today by contacting:

Jeff Lucas 28 Terwilliger Rd. Hyde Park, NY 12538 Phone (914) 229-7897 Email Lucan1776@aol.com Or through Buckmasters Web Site (link shown below)

Links to other sites on the Web

Chicagoland Fishing

BUCKMASTERS Disabled Sportsmen's Resources

Because the new Guestbook format does not allow for someone to post much information
I am offering the opportunity to submit comments or other items of possible interest on page linked below:
Your turn (Link to my feedback page) Posted