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  Showing One Hunter The Way

  (from December '09 Family Fish and Game)
  
  Text and Photos by Patricia Strutz
  
  In December 2007, 17-year old Alex Schultz of Manawa, Wisconsin, had a near death experience. His friend was speeding and lost control of the jeep he was driving. They rolled over several times before hitting a telephone pole. Alex fractured most of his lower back and sustained severe damage to his right leg. He was lucky to be alive. Told he would never walk again, he endured several major surgeries and is still undergoing physical rehabilitation. But, he has surprised everyone. With the aid of arm braces Alex is now walking.
  Always an active kid, Alex loved playing football, fishing, hunting, and watching the Green Bay Packers. With the support of his family and a wonderful network of caring folks, he is still able to enjoy many of those things. His mother, Bonnie Schultz, remarks, "After the accident I received a phone call from John Gillespie, founder of Rawhide Boys Ranch in New London, Wisconsin. He is connected to both the Packers organization and to The Way Outfitters. He asked Alex if he'd like to continue hunting, and, perhaps have a chance to shoot a trophy buck. We didn't think it would be possible but it may have been just the motivation he needed to maintain his positive attitude and to work hard at rehabilitation. His efforts were rewarded this fall [when he went hunting] in Three Lakes (Wisconsin)."
  The Schultz family brought Alex up north to participate in the hunt through a non-profit organization called The Way Outfitters. Founded by Three Lakes couple Roger and Sue Devenport, the venture allows terminally ill, disadvantaged, and disabled youthalong with disabled vetsa chance at an exciting outdoor adventure. Sue Devenport explains, "We are a faith driven charity whose mission is to provide wholesome outdoor experiences. Our goal is to take 200 kids on trips each year in all 50 states. We are linked together with other outfitterssuch as a ski lodge in Colorado and a fishing charter in Floridato offer a variety of activities."
  
  "We couldn't undertake this endeavor without the help of many people. Sue and I used to own the Three Lakes Preserve. Current owner Jim Schiefelbein donates the use of his land for these events, says Roger, Many folks offer us their helpeither by financial donations, fundraising, or providing their services. For instance, Three Lakes resident and pilot Brent Westfall flew his Beechcraft Baron down to Green Bay to pick up Packers linebacker AJ Hawk and his wife, Laura. The Hawks have come on board as spokemen for us. It's all of these folks that make this idea work."
  
  Packers Involvement
  
  "Alex has heard from several of the Packers players," states mother, Bonnie. "It is so awesome how those players and their families take time out of their busy lives to get involved, it means so much to all of us."
  
  The Way's spokeswoman Laura Hawk adds, "When we heard about this organization we thought it was really different and very worthwhile. It is thrilling to be involved and it was great to meet Alex and share in the excitement of his hunt. He has an amazing soulhe's so upbeat. To be a small part of helping him and others enjoy their trip of a lifetimeit is a great honor."
  
  AJ chimes in, "I've only ever hunted for birds and rabbits as deer season coincides with football season. It's really neat to share Alex's excitement."
  
  Alex took great pride in showing his buck to AJ Hawk, his family and friends. He explains, "After I arrived on Sunday (Oct 12th), Roger and Tom Sampson, the manager of the preserve, brought me out to practice shooting a Browning .270. Then, I changed into my camouflage clothing and headed out into the field. I put my wheelchair in four-wheel driveby using my armsand we positioned ourselves about 75-yards away from where Roger scattered some corn. The first deer to arrive was a massive buck, but he was out of range. Then some does came in. I was shaking with excitement and needed this time to try to calm down. Finally, my buck entered the scene. He was a beautiful 13-pointer, an incredible deer. Up until now I had only harvested a doe, this was the thrill of my lifetime."
  
  About The Way Outfitters
  
  "I spent some time at Rawhide during the 1970's," relays Roger Devenport. "I can't say enough about John Gillespie. He has been my mentor and moral compass in life. He's like a father to me. He and his wife Jan have touched so many lives throughout the years. It's great that they are helping us with this endeavor."
  "Then, while hunting in Utah about 10-years ago I met Camron Tribolet. He had a group of disabled youths with him. Cam is also disabled. He lost both of his legs when he was shot during an attempted car hijacking, but his disability has not slowed him down. He is such an inspiration. In the past 15 years, while we still owned the Three Lakes Preserve, we worked closely with Cam to provide hunts for around 25 disabled youths. Now that we've formally organized as The Way, Cam serves as our activities director."
  To find out more about The Way Outfitters, visit their website at www.thewayoutfitters.com.
  

  
   

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