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Local teen fulfills dream in Oregon hunt

PRAIRIE CITY, OR - For Gabe Walter, a weeklong hunting trip to Oregon became an experience he will remember for years. One that tested his patience, covered more than 30 miles of rugged terrain and ended with an elk harvest in the final hour of the final day.

The trip was made possible through Hunt of a Lifetime, a nonprofit organization dedicated to granting hunting and fishing dreams to children and young adults who have life-threatening illnesses or disabilities.

Gabe traveled to Oregon with his brother and mother, joining another young hunter, Shane Musser, and a team of volunteers and guides for a week of elk hunting. Gabe said the landscape was a change from home, with rocky hills, expansive terrain and cold mornings that gave way to warmer conditions later in the day.

The group began hunting around 4 a.m. each morning, often spending long hours in the field before returning in the evening. Rather than remaining in one location, the hunters covered miles of ground while guides helped them search for elk.

The group walked more than 30 miles during the week.

Although the early mornings and long days were demanding, the group remained determined to make the trip memorable for both young hunters. Shane harvested his elk earlier in the week, leaving Gabe continuing his search as the final day approached.

As the week went on, the effort required to locate an elk became increasingly apparent. The hunt was not a guaranteed success, and Gabe's mother Jeanette Walter said she began to wonder whether he would be able to fill his tag before the trip ended.

Then, with time running short, an unexpected phone call on Sept. 18 changed the course of the day.

Two hunters from the Grants Pass area contacted the group after spotting a herd of elk. The information gave the hunters a new location to try with only about an hour of daylight remaining.

Earlier, the group had received an encouraging phone call from another supporter in Alaska. As the hunters grew discouraged, he encouraged them to keep going and led them in prayer, reminding them that the hunt was not over.

The group headed to the new location. Gabe took a shot at an elk from approximately 600 yards but missed. The hunters continued looking, and Gabe ultimately harvested an elk around 7 p.m., during the final hour of the final day.

After days of early mornings, miles of hiking and unsuccessful attempts, the moment brought excitement and relief for Gabe and his family.

Reflecting on the experience, Gabe described the trip as a great experience and emphasized the time and effort people invested to make it possible.

"It was really great out there, and I really do appreciate how much time and how much work they’re putting into having it happen," Gabe said.

For Gabe, the trip was about more than bringing home an elk. It also offered an opportunity to see firsthand the dedication of the people who worked to make the hunt happen.

The guides, volunteers and local community played an important role throughout the week. Doug Emmel, who served as a guide and provided lodging on his property, worked alongside his son, Tristen, and son-in-law, Jake Fuzi, to help the young hunters pursue their goals.

The local community also contributed to the experience. The group stayed in a cabin-style rental donated for the week, while a local market donated much of the food. Volunteers helped with transportation, meals, equipment and the many other details involved in organizing the trip.

Gabe said the guides were especially invested in helping both boys succeed. Shane harvested his elk earlier in the week, and the team continued working to help Gabe find his opportunity before returning home.

The experience also fostered a close friendship between Gabe and Shane, who met during the trip and quickly connected. The two continue to keep in touch, often talking about football and their favorite teams.

They are also planning to meet up again after their elk mounts are completed so they can take pictures together with their trophies.

One small tradition from the trip has taken on special meaning for Gabe. Each day, he collected two turkey feathers, one for himself and one for Shane. When the elk he harvested was found, it had stepped over a turkey feather. The feather was saved as a memento and may eventually be incorporated into a display for his elk mount, which will be completed by taxidermist Jason Morrison of Buckhaven Wildlife Art.

Gabe was especially excited to receive his three large boxes of meat, which made the trip from Oregon.

Hunt of a Lifetime was founded by Tina Pattison from Erie. The nonprofit works to make hunting and fishing dreams come true for young people.

The organization grew out of Pattison’s experience with her son, Matt, who loved the outdoors. After he received a Make-A-Wish opportunity, the family encountered a limitation involving his hunting dream. Pattison then worked to establish a foundation that could help young people pursue similar outdoor experiences.

The organization relies on donations, volunteers and sponsors to arrange trips and provide equipment and other resources.

The organization also works with guides and local communities to make trips possible, demonstrating how a network of people can come together to create an experience for a young hunter and family.

For Gabe’s family, seeing that generosity firsthand was one of the most meaningful parts of the week.

The trip gave Gabe, who has Neurofibromatosis, the opportunity to pursue a challenging hunt in an unfamiliar area, develop a friendship and experience the teamwork that goes into making such an adventure possible.

And while he returned home with an elk, the memories of the people who helped him get there may prove just as lasting.

Neurofibromatosis is a group of genetic neurological disorders that cause benign (noncancerous) or malignant tumors to grow along the body’s nerves, skin, and nervous system.

Those interested in learning more about Hunt of a Lifetime, supporting its mission or referring a child who may qualify for a hunting or fishing adventure can visit www.huntofalifetime.org.