| UPDATE (06/29/07):
Matthew went on his Safari Wish June 5-11 but due to
severe weather was unable to complete his Safari Wish.
Therefore Ohio Safari Chapter is trying to raise more
funds to give Matt another opportunity but this time
wild hog hunting in Texas.
UPDATE (10/15/07):
Matthew Craft is a 14 year old young man from Rootstown,
Ohio who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 18 months
old. Although his condition affects his gait, vision,
and cognitive abilities, he does not let it hinder his
goals.
Matthew shares the love of the outdoors
with his father, Dave. He spends a great amount of his
free time swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and riding
his 3-wheeled bike. One of Matthew’s most exciting
adventures was to hunt black bear in Quebec, Canada
and wild boar in Silverton, Texas. This unique opportunity
was made possible by Scott Bagi, President of SCI Ohio
Chapter and the sponsors of the Safari Wish Program
sponsors.
Matthew, his father and members of
the SCI traveled to Quebec, Canada in June 2006. Matthew’s
goal was to harvest a black bear with his cross bow.
After 5 days of waiting in a tree stand, the opportunity
of targeting a bear did not present itself. Since the
hunt was unsuccessful, Scott Bagi arranged for a second
chance with different game.
In February of 2007, Matthew, his
father and a new group of SCI members left for Tule
Ranch in Silverton, Texas to hunt wild boar. Ranch owner,
Kent Carpenter, and his family personally guided Matthew
and his group on this 5 day predator hunt. Kent himself
is a hunter and understands that hunting can be a difficult
task at times and did everything in his power to see
that Matthew had an enjoyable and memorable hunting
experience. Due to Kent’s outfitting expertise,
Matthew shot one boar at 145 pounds and one sow at 130
pounds. Matthew considers Kent his number one guide
as well as a good friend.
The Safari Wish Program allowed Matthew
to successfully participate in hunting activities with
the absence of barriers. Through these endeavors, Matthew
made good friends, traveled to new places, and learned
new skills through real life experiences.
Ohio Safari
Chapter President, Scott Bagi, is responsible for putting
this event together. He organized all of the contributions
made by Safari club and the local chapters. He also
accompanied Alex and his Grandmother on the trip. Scott
recorded most of the experience on video and made sure
Alex's dream was fulfilled.
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