Ride For Life: Hunting from the heart

SAFFORD -- Just two years ago, longtime deer hunter John LeMaster could have never imagined hunting in a Buckmasters Classic and becoming buddies with comedian Jeff Foxworthy and country music artist Troy Gentry.

Nor could he have ever imagined the unfortunate circumstances that would provide him with that opportunity.

Eleven disabled and terminally ill hunters were on hand for the 13th Buckmasters Classic/BADF Life Hunt here at Sedgefield Plantation in Dallas County last week. LeMaster, the chief operations officer of Amerex in Trussville, was one of several participants who understand that this hunting season could be their last.

LeMaster's problems began two years ago when he was suddenly unable to touch his forefinger to his thumb. He was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Two months later, he lost control of another muscle in his hand.

"I really thought I had Lyme's disease," LeMaster said. "I changed doctors, hoping somebody could figure it out."

Sixty blood tests and one muscle biopsy later, doctors informed LeMaster he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The progressive disease causes the degeneration of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal column that control voluntary movement.

There is no cure for the disease. Muscles deteriorate steadily and that leads to death, typically within three to six years, experts say.

"I have always appreciated life, but this has made me appreciate it even more," said LeMaster, who brought his son, Spike, and his longtime hunting buddy, Billy Freeze, along for assistance. "Deep down, I know the Lord won't give me more than I can handle."

Among the hunters participating in this year's event were six youngsters. Several had terminal diseases and that seemed to affect LeMaster most.

"I realize that I am very fortunate," LeMaster said as he watched one youth eat his lunch from a wheelchair. "Seeing these kids is really sad."

LeMaster knows his fate and has decided to accept it with few changes in plans.

"Depression has never been for me," he said. "I'm still going to work every day even though my wife has to dress me. I can't put my socks on, button buttons or work zippers. I have to get my friends to dress me.

"I'm going to therapy twice a week trying to save as much muscle in my hands as long as I can.

"My doctors have told me several things that can extend my life as long as possible. They say I must drink plenty of water, eat a lot of protein and not lose any weight. Most of all, they say I can live longer by having a positive attitude."

A year ago LeMaster didn't know there were organizations that cater to terminally ill and disabled hunters, but he has seen this season what those organizations mean to him and others in similar situations. Instead of only participating, he has joined forces with Buckmasters Disabled Hunting Services and plans to host three disabled turkey hunters at his hunting club in the spring.

Buckmasters currently has 300 disabled or ill hunters in Alabama and 2,000 hunters nationwide seeking hunting opportunities. Buckmasters provides as many trips as possible by linking those hunters with landowners willing to host them.

Gentry, from the band Montgomery Gentry, agreed to participate in the Buckmasters Classic because it afforded him the opportunity to take a break from a hectic concert schedule and spend some time in the woods. He said he didn't know what to expect, but meeting the participants will make an everlasting impression.

"I'm impressed with the eagerness of these people to get out in the woods to go hunting," said Gentry, whose band ended the eight-year reign of Brooks and Dunn as country music's top duo act in 2000.

"I've taken a lot in my life for granted. It's not easy for them. I've learned a lot in the past two days about patience and determination. This is my first hunt with the disabled, but hopefully it won't be my last."