I was fortunate to be drawn for a 2024 Antelope hunt. I found the Wyoming Disabled Hunters on Facebook and saw there were three categories you could apply for. I did not put in for elk or mule deer even though mule deer has been my second bucket list item since I was a child. I didn’t believe I could hike and stalk anywhere near close enough to make a good clean harvest. I arrived and was immediately met with open arms and no judgement. I’ve been to one other hunt before and wasn’t sure how this would go. The volunteers that take care of bedding, food, and anything that arises were phenomenal. I hate using my wheelchair and scooter and have issues holding my upper body up with a cane, so I limp and slowly make my way around. There was no one that even halfway could have been perceived as looking down on me. I don’t go out in public often for that reason and unfortunately the only comfort I get is lying with my knees bent. Anyways no judge mental looks or whispers. Now to get to the “meat” of the story, I have to use a tripod to hold the weight of my rifle, and I cannot handle more than two to three shots when trying to sight my rifle in due to major shoulder surgeries. So even shooting for fun is not happening. Where I’m from we are thick forests so 50 yards is a long shot. Now I was in the Marine Corps, and we shot open sights 2,3 and 500 yards. I always shot expert until my injuries. Hearing 200 yards was close, I was so worried. I have a Remington 700 short barrel threaded but my suppressor hadn’t been approved yet which tremendously reduces recoil. I expressed my worries to my guides, and they said, “no problem” and it was NOT a problem for them. These amazing gentlemen got me in my 100 yards range, and I got a perfect shot thanks to them and their help!! I then spent my time reading past testimonies about Wyoming disabled hunters and saw people far worse off than me harvested big bull elk and giant mule deer!!! I was amazed reading them and how long the organization has been around. What the folks there do is make actual dreams come true for us broken has-beens that just give up on dreams, life, and honestly people!!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love, care, and support you all do!!! You all are true heroes to so many of us!