Sponsored by: The Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America
To be a successful bowhunter you need to be able get to your hunting location undetected. That means you need to get into the spot quietly and not leave a lot of human scent. This sounds easy but if you are disabled and in a wheelchair it can be a difficult endeavor. When pushing a chair through the woods, no matter how hard you try, it’s not going to be a quiet adventure. So, what can be done?
A friend of mine told me of his approach. When he goes in if he makes an unnatural noise he uses a turkey call to help distract and cover up the sound. Then waits a few minutes for things to settle down before he continues. This might work for an abled body hunter but but a chair crashing through the woods doesn’t sound like a turkey. It’s still a lot of unnatural noise. So is there a way to get in and out of a hunting location without telling every animal in the area that you are coming?
Here are some of my methods that work for me. First is to have someone drive me to the blind and drop me off. Deer see vehicles all the time whether it’s on the road or a farmer in the field, so it doesn’t scare them they just move off until the danger is gone. Sometimes they stand there and watch you pass. If you stop it alerts them and they flee. Especially if a human gets out of the vehicle and I actually want the deer to see me and move away so they won’t see me get into the blind. When the truck leaves things get back to normal, the deer go back to doing whatever deer do and by that time, I am quietly in my blind.
Another way I go in is by using a four- wheeler. Someone takes me in, drops me off and then drives away. I don’t think the noise scares the game but they hear it coming and just move away. I also like to leave the wheeler running so they stay away and again, don’t see me get into the blind. As it leaves they can follow the sound until it can’t be heard and they think the threat is gone.
The main goal is to not shock surprise the deer. If you do they will run off and it might be a week or more before they go back to their normal routine. There are several motorized chairs available but some are too noisy or big to get into the blind. The biggest drawback is most are very expensive. So, if you want to be able to get out hunting you will have to bite the bullet and fork out the money for the best one to suit your particular needs. My needs are extensive but I found a reasonable alternative. It is a power wheelchair made by Northern Engineering and Manufacturing Inc. This chair might be the answer, is half the price of some of the more common chairs but it will do everything you need a motorized chair to do.
Traxxforce All-Terrain Power Chair
The TraxxForce All-Terrain Power Chair from Northern Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc (NEMI) is designed to give people the freedom to get off the paved path. The sturdy steel frame, extra-large front casters and Power Soccer Shop Traxx technology allow the chair to tackle mud, sand and uneven terrain with ease. It’s powered by two 12-volt rechargeable gel batteries for longevity. It operates using a joystick and a highly adjustable five speed controller and for convenience has a shroud covering the joystick with a hand warmer to help keep your operating hand warm in extreme conditions. Also available is a power seat that allows you to adjust your weight while going up or downhill added to a wide range of seating and armrest options.
Testing this chair I found it had plenty of power and was able to navigate tough terrain. I was able to easily power over eight inch logs and go up and down hills without slipping. What impressed me the most was the maneuverability that allowed me to go around trees and brush as easily as if I was walking. The unit’s compact size makes it simple to fit into a standard ground blind and is narrow enough to go up the ramp on any standard sized van. If you are looking for an all-terrain power chair to help you navigate the great outdoors, the TraxxForce might just be the answer.
For more information or to see this chair in action call Douglas Bermel at 612-750-2826.
For more please go to: The Disabled Archer
