| Kelly Hansen beams at the ram he harvested. |
Mark Robison of MTM Hunting Adventures attended the southeastern region RAC meeting on Oct. 19 with his hunting partner, Justin Fuller, to make a special request. Robison began by explaining that he owns and operates MTM from his home in Salt Lake City. “We are a nonprofit organization that was started five years ago and we have taken 26 hunters out in the field. We specialize in taking physically challenged hunters out for the experience that every other hunter has.
“We are requesting a special hunt that will coincide with the youth elk hunt in September. The weather is usually better at that time and it would allow us to give these hunters a better chance to participate. Our suggestion is that a five day elk/deer combo hunt could be arranged.
“During the bucks and bulls meetings of the RACs, we have visited with all regions in the state and have been met with great enthusiasm. Every RAC has endorsed our proposal.” Robison said.
Fuller said, “What Mark does is a great service to those of us who do not have the use of our legs. He makes it possible for us to do the things that all other hunters do. We get to experience the same things that others do during a hunt.”
The southeastern RAC was no different. They endorsed this proposal 100 percent.
Robison had a chance meeting with a physically challenged young man at his business in Salt Lake several years ago. A conversation began about hunting and Robison offered to take the young man hunting. Following that one hunting trip, Robison knew what he had to do. His mission from then on would be to meet other physically challenged hunters and take them on a hunt.
MTM Hunting purchases landowner permits, and also accepts donations or money or permits, as ways of providing opportunities for the hunters. Robison also stated that if a physically challenged hunter draws out on a hunt, they need only call MTM and the arrangements for the hunt will be made.
Robison recognizes that because an injury or illness has taken away the use of a person’s lower extremities, that person still retains the ability to enjoy the outdoors, albeit in a different way.
Any special need of the outdoorsman that Robison takes on an outdoor experience will be accomplished in some manner. Robison constructed a gun portable gun rest to mount of the back of his 4-wheeler for one young hunter who was having difficulty steadying the rifle. That young man was successful on the next trip.
To make a donation or find out how you can help, contact MTM Hunting Adventures call 1-801-232-9187.