Photo By Pierre Bona
Occasionally, the rare opportunity arises for us to be a part of something much bigger than ourselves, even through the smallest, most insignificant parts of our lives.
Many people know me as a call maker and a duck hunter, a few know me as a duck guide. At times I get to work inside of all three realms of my passion, but rarely do I get to do all three while changing someone’s life.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to guide a hunt for a young man, Logan, who touched me back. Keith Stille, of Hunting for the Cure, contacted me about the opportunity. His organization puts together hunts for kids with cancer and their families. He asked if I knew of a place where we could count on ducks somewhat consistently.
I reminded him that we were in Georgia. Consistent duck hunting in Georgia rarely exists. I thought to myself, “We have to get this youngster and his family to Arkansas for a duck hunt, but that is impossible.” We decided to bring Arkansas to him!
Dr. Tom McGarity and his wife Angie own Buckeyes Plantation in Jersey, Ga. The folks at Buckeyes do many things well, and one of the best things they do is maintain a very large flock of banded mallards which stay right on their property, flying around like wild ducks all day.
I drove out to see Dr. McGarity. They welcomed the opportunity with open arms and hearts. All that was left to prepare for the day was for me to turn the young man a duck call. Purple heart wood seemed very appropriate, as Logan has been diagnosed with an aggressive type of cancer, causing tumors in the brain and spinal column.
The morning of the hunt came quickly, and we met at Buckeyes Plantation before daylight. Logan and his father arrived ready to hunt. He had received a chemotherapy treatment a few days before and was battling the after-effects, vomiting, nausea, nosebleeds and general fatigue. This young man was going through it all, yet he soldiered on. It was an indescribable pleasure to watch Logan grin as he folded greenheads coming in to my calling. I sat beside him that morning realizing how much I take for granted.
As I write this, I am on a business trip to Louisiana with my own son, Jonathan, who recently returned from six years in the Army. We are visiting my pro-staff members in Louisiana, Jeff Guidry and Jared Hall. We’re duck hunting while we are here, something that, after hunting with Logan, I will never view the same again. Next time you are out with a loved one, a good friend, or even just your dog, take a look around you, breathe in the air, tell them you love them, and enjoy your time. You never know how many more of those special moments you may have.
Tim Rupard is the owner and call maker for Rais~A~Ruckus Game Calls. He and his pro-staff can be found in several instructional videos online. Find them at YouTube by searching Raisaruckus. Their custom, handmade calls can be seen at www.raisaruckus.com. Follow Rais~A~Ruckus on Facebook or call (770) 262-9962.