(left) Garrett & Cody Cox (right)
First Time Hunter
with Jerry Rainey, 1687 Foundation Guide
Sponsored by: Buckmasters Brownwood, via Camp Able of Buffalo Gap, TX
Perfect! Absolutely Perfect!
That is the only description of Garrett Gill's hunt hosted by the 1687 Foundation sponsored by Buckmasters via Camp Able. There is no doubt that every aspect and every imaginable contingency needed to set this young man up for success was put in place.
The ranch team speedily made the modifications Garrett would need to have a great experience and the accommodations were nothing short of phenomenal.
From swapping strategies, position, and guns on a helicopter, to adding, training, and implementing an adaptive shooting system, it just flowed seamlessly! Garrett had everything he needed to be safe and successful.
Watching this kid go from mildly terrified stepping into the helicopter, to whooping and hollering when he stepped off is now a core memory we will never forget. The first time they came back in and landed Garrett hugged everybody.
When it was time for round two, he baled in that helicopter like he'd done it all his life and absolutely went to work on some pigs! He still tells everyone he sees about it! It's a wonder we saw anything at all, as much fun as we were having in the hunting blind. At times, we were all laughing so hard the whole blind was shaking! Watching this young man go through every stage of the infamous "buck fever" the first time he set up for a shot was priceless!
At one point Garrett was shaking so badly that he threw his hands up and said "I CAN'T DO IT!" Our guide talked him through and had him breathing. He got off a great shot and the 5 man crowd in the blind broke in two!
We were jumping hollering, hugging—it's a wonder that blind didn't come crashing down!
The 1687 Foundation provides a place where miracles happen. The staff is a rare collection of the kindest, most selfless, and big hearted individuals. This team works 365 days a year to provide kids like Garrett that one special memory.
I cannot thank you guys enough for your labor of love. Thank you for all that you did for Garrett, and for dozens of other kiddos like him.
Cody Cox - Camp Able of Buffalo Gap, TX