A gentleman I met wanted to harvest a black bear and I offered to take him out. On the way to the hunting area, the man looked at me and quietly said, "I have a wooden leg and wanted to let you know."

Without missing a beat, I told the man, "Thanks for letting me know, I'll make sure to put you at a site away from the beaver dams." which caused him to laugh uncontrollably. He was worried that his challenge in life might limit his ability to hunt. Making light of the situation, not him, was the perfect medicine to let him know that the biggest challenge is often in your mind, and where there's a will, there's a way.

Any avid hunter will understand the burning desire to be outdoors, immersed in the sights, sounds, smells, and experiences associated with hunting. The interactions, the things we see and experience, are what make hunting so addictive and leave us wanting more. Now, what would you do if you had a physical impairment or challenge that forced you to make modifications? Adaptation isn't an option for anyone who loves hunting, it's a necessity.

The gentleman with the wooden leg could still climb a ladder, shoot a rifle, and harvest a nice bear. We took the time to set up a proper lifeline for climbing in and out of the stand to ensure that safety and success were the only options. Hunters should always use the appropriate safety equipment and procedures, regardless of the situation.

Harvest Your Own podcast listeners will remember the talk with Lasha and Chris Barbosa, titled "Healing Through Hunting." Lasha is challenged with a brain injury associated with an operation she required. It changed both her and Chris' lives, but that does not stop them from pursuing their dreams of hunting birds, big game, and trapping. Lasha grew up in the Yukon and spent part of her life in Haida Gwaii, B.C., where she learned to love and appreciate the outdoors and fully understand where food comes from.

The only challenge for this dynamic duo is to figure out where to hunt, where they can set up a blind, watch a prime area, know the constraints to stay safe, and keep any outing enjoyable. It is a shared adventure where they both enjoy the challenges and work together to be successful. "Hunting is all about planning—every step, every adventure, every triumph starts with a solid plan," said Lasha. "Living with a disability and chronic illness, I've learned to make the outdoors work for me with Chris by my side, a lot of preparation, and a passion that won't quit."

The Barbosa couple attended the Taber Pheasant Festival, where they both succeeded in harvesting their first roosters at the Novice Shoot. The next day they hit the uplands, together with friends with well-trained hunting dogs, and continued their adventure and success. Knowing the limitations and rising to any opportunity has made them successful in more ways than just the table fare they took home.

The Alberta hunting community is well supported. A good example is the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS), and its members, who have helped people with mobility challenges. Outfitter Neil Johnson with North Star Outfitting helped raise the funds required to purchase an all-terrain track chair. His efforts included a $3,000 grant from the APOS Community Investment Fund, which provides matching grant funding of $3,000 for local communities—including everything from hockey, 4H, and special projects like the tracked chair. For more information, visit www.apos.ab.ca.

Hunting takes planning and adaptation, and Alberta's 2025 hunting regulations now allow hunting from wheelchairs and mobility devices. This change opens so much freedom for individuals with challenges or disabilities. "The possibilities this brings to my life are thrilling!" said Lasha. "If I'm passionate—and I am—we find a way, whether it's a mobility device, ATV, or extra help. Patience is everything, some days are slower, but every step feels like a victory."

There are still barriers to overcome, but Albertans are listening. With the new regulations, a formal request to allow mobility devices on conservation lands may be appropriate to keep current with the changes. If you know someone who is challenged but would love to hunt, please make the time to include them. It will help make their dreams come true and help you recognize the gift hunting can be to some.

This article was originally published on the Harvest Your Own website: www.harvestyourown.ca

Photo credit (top): Brad Fenson.