(posted in 2005)

Just ask Knute Wallin of Greenwood, a retired high school biology teacher and principal, and an avid hunter and fisherman. He also was well known for being an emcee and entertainer. He and his son and brother-in-law were in demand for many banquets and parties, where they'd play banjos and guitars, and tell jokes.

All that came to a halt three years ago, when Knute, while on a pheasant hunting trip to North Dakota, suffered a stroke. He lost the use of his right side.

Now age 65, Knute has proven that, with a little help from his friends and family, life can go on. He's learned to play the banjo again, and was able last fall to go deer hunting again. Knute recently wrote about that experience. Following, are some excerpts from that article.

Knute's hunt

On October 20, 2002 the world stopped. I awoke in a different place. I had become a member of the minority group known as the physically disabled. I would have to fight many battles both physical and mental. As I gained strength, I realized the limitations I would have to overcome. I also realized many things could be lost forever.

One of my favorite activities was deer hunting. I doubted I would ever do it again. I am right handed and lost the use of my right arm and leg. I even thought about selling my rifle and hunting equipment. But, my dreams about deer hunting as a possibility, never left my mind.

Last August, friends suggested we go deer hunting if I thought I could handle a gun. They took me out to a shooting range to practice. I shot at 25 yards and 100 yards. I had heard of a special hunting season for those with disabilities but never paid much attention to it, but now a whole new world opened for me. Friends bought me a roomy tent and a shooting bar to rest my gun on. I was a little leery of shooting my 30-06 one-handed, but it turned out fine.

Another friend joined us opening weekend. I was ready (thanks to my wife Korky) with orange clothes, tag, gun, ammo, and, of course, my wheelchair. My friends took care of the tent, lunch, and the horsepower to get me to my stand. We enjoyed a day of hunting, but unfortunately the deer population didn't cooperate.

The next time out was again with my friend and his 14-year-old son. They repositioned the tent once again. Again I couldn't help but marvel at what people are willing to do to help a person with a disability. But again, it seemed futile, until near the close of the day when the 14-year-old, who had the binoculars, said, "there's one."

Without a word being said I brought the gun up to the shooting bar and saw the deer, which at this distance looked like a small mouse. I heard the boy say, "It's a buck." The rifle sounded. The deer vanished. I asked what happened to the buck?

When we reached the deer, the distance of the shot measured more than 200 yards. I was feeling very happy. I had a six-point buck!

The West Central Clark County " Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities," is held near Willard. Dale Petkovsek heads the organization and has a very helpful group that works with him. Each year he gets increasing numbers of calls to enroll land and he even gets calls from people he doesn't know who are willing to assist. The spirit is really great.

In 2004, 38 of 50 hunters harvested deer, and 23 were bucks. After the initial license fee, there is no cost to the hunt. Dale also is handicapped and owns Sunset Pines Resort in Willard, which is fully handicapped accessible.

Again I owe a big thank you to John, Bob, and Nathan and all the people involved. I truly anticipate next year's hunt.