Hunting After a Stroke

An older member of our deer camp is recovering from a massive stroke, when he found out he may not recover much use of his right side he was devastated (he is a lefty however). Determined however, we went to the range a few weeks ago - he was unable to chamber his 30-30 lever, and when we did manage to get one chambered for him - he could barely hold it to shoot it, and when he did manage to shoot it - the recoil seemed hard on him.

I may be grasping at straws, but looking at the hunting community for suggestions here. He's not opposed to buying a new rifle either if a lower caliber helps, or a semi-automatic if that's what he needs. We're not even sure where to start looking, but for him to stop deer hunting would be the end of him. He lives two seasons a year - deer hunting season, and "preparing for deer hunting" season.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Sorry about the news. Take a look at this website:

http://www.adaptiveoutdoorsman.com/handicaphunting.html

There may be products that he could use with an existing rifle.

I went through a similar situation with a very good old friend. On the days he was able to hunt, I sat right beside him to assist. With respect to the firearm, a lighter recoil would definitely be a benefit. Have him practice with a good tripod rifle rest.

Ground blind with a nice rest. Caldwell field pod and a hunting partner.http://www.cabelas.ca/product/30392/...dshot-fieldpod

A solid rest would be of massive benefit. Most recoil is directed straight back, so as long as the forearm is supported by the rest and the butt is securely in his good shoulder he'd be to go.

For calibre I'd look at a 243. Plenty for deer and light recoiling. As for action, I cant really say. Semi is likely the best bet.

A ground blind would also be a good idea. Build a shooting bench right inside it if need be.

As previous poster mentioned a good adjustable tripod is a start. What distance would he be shooting? Might look at a 20 gauge slug gun. 2-3/4" will work just fine no need for a 3". Less recoil than a 12 and can shoot a good distance. The shells are larger than rifle cartridges and might be easier to handle, hold and load into firearm. Hope things work out. Was tough for my father who had similar circumstances but we got him set up and he still fills his tag.

A falling block single shot like a Ruger #1 would be even easier to operate then a semi. Charging a semi can require significant force depending on the gun. In the end though, he'll have to go to a gun store and try out different guns to see what he can operate.

As well a heavier gun may be better than a lighter one since it should absorb recoil better.

Remington makes a 30-30 in a manage recoil load. If he wants to use the gun he has now you can look for that.

I have an old computer chair in my ground blind. The shooting ports have 2x4 s that form the bottom. The walls below the ports are broadloom so the gun rests on broadloom at about the right height for a shot while seated in the chair. By simply shuffling your feet you rotate for access to three sides of the blind. Its the closest thing to bench rest shooting that I could do in my bush but with a roof overhead and some apples tossed on the ground about 200' down the hill in front of the blind, it fills the tag for me.
Just a coincidence that my gun is a 243 Ruger #1 as well. A 30-30 would be easier to swing around in the blind but might be harder to load with one hand.

Obviously a Ruger #1 would be a nice choice but if on a budget he may want to look at an H&R single shot.

first thing you will need is a authorization to hunt from a stationary vehicle has to get forms from mnr have Dr. fill out send back to mnr mine
took about 2 or 3 month before all bs was all said an done make him do what he can and do not stop him from trying what he wants just make sure he is safe had stroke 2009 still recovering love the bush turkey moose deer hunt pm if you wish

Nice to hear from you Creature, I remember back when you were jumping thru all the hoops. Heck of a journey.

Your a great example of what can be done to ensure that you can still get out and hunt after a stroke. :thumbup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mox72

Obviously a Ruger #1 would be a nice choice but if on a budget he may want to look at an H&R single shot.

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My thought process on the #1 was that the action, being a falling block, would be easier to operate then a hinge barrel like the H&R. Opening a hing barrel is usually easy. Its closing it that could be difficult.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

My thought process on the #1 was that the action, being a falling block, would be easier to operate then a hinge barrel like the H&R. Opening a hing barrel is usually easy. Its closing it that could be difficult.

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I agree 100%. A Ruger #1 in .243 or 6.5x55 would be plenty of power for deer with minimal recoil. Also the action is very easy to manipulate. Set him up in a portable ground blind with a bipod to hold the rifle and he will be comfortable and still able to do what he loves.

My uncles bro in law had a stroke and still hunts. They built him a tree stand with a staircase that winds around the tree. Someone helps him up and down the stairs and sits on stand with him in case he needs help with anything. Whoever is helping is in charge of all gear and retrieval of the deer. Not sure what he is shooting but i know he was successful in the controlled this past November. Hopefully you guys figure out something that works for you. Its harder but definitely doable. Good luck!

If I were in that position I would prefer to use my other Ruger, the one with the 7 1/2" barrel....

Thanks to the suggestions here our old friend is moving forward with a few options in mind:

- He's going to try to get his permit to hunt from a stationary vehicle (his ATV).
- He has an older, left handed bolt action, single shot .303 he's planning to use - not sure on the make/model but he said he's had it for 50 years.

On another note: against all our advise, he ran the log splitter this past weekend and is still making more effort than some other camp members to work his fair share! Tough old boy for sure.

He is walking short distances with a cane as well, but not too far and his hand is still unusable.

On another note: against all our advise, he ran the log splitter this past weekend and is still making more effort than some other camp members to work his fair share! Tough old boy for sure.

He is walking short distances with a cane as well, but not too far and his hand is still unusable.[/QUOTE]

The BEST thing you can do for him will be to let him do anything he wants/can do. Sitting around feeling useless is deadly.

I'd suggest getting him as much physiotherapy and rehabilitation as humanly possible, if he isn't already. Then I think his limitations and abilities will be more clear as time progresses.