“Staring in the Face of Adversity”
By: Braden Arp

Part 2

One of the major challenges was finding a firearm that would accommodate Ryan’s condition. After numerous hours of searching and trying a few different designs, Ryan’s family found a model of what they were after, which was a Weatherby CFP center fire pistol. Along with help from Frank Houx and Dan Isler of Cabelas, Weatherby agreed to custom build Ryan a pistol in a 240 Weatherby Magnum. This worked perfectly for Ryan and allowed him to have an opportunity to harvest an animal rather than simply be there when an animal was harvested. With the largest obstacle met, Ryan still needed a scope. Ryan’s cousin, Austin, found a Nikon muzzleloader scope that gave enough eye relief for Ryan to be able to fire the pistol and have a clear sight through his scope. With the leg work finished, Ryan was ready to hunt and this time not just as a spectator. He was in the game!

After a couple of white tail hunts, it was time for his mule deer hunt in Colorado. It was Ryan’s turn. The hunt brought success that most outdoorsmen only dream about. The hunt ended with Ryan harvesting a monstrous muley which scored 247 6/8. In case those numbers are confusing, that would be criteria for a trophy in anyone’s eyes. No longer was Ryan longing to be involved in a harvest. He had done it. Ryan had defied what his condition said would never be done. This time, everyone in camp gave Ryan his induction and was admiring his trophy and asking how his hunt went.

Inspiration comes in all forms and fashions. Sometimes it comes in the form of a seventeen year old young man with the will power and desire that won’t allow him to be held back any longer. You know, life is peculiar sometimes. The dealer hands out the cards and it is our job to play the hand. There are always two options. We can either play another card or fold. Sometimes you just have to ask yourself, “if not now, then when?” Live your dreams and play the aces. With a little help, you just may win the hand.