Larry DeLynn Bateman is 14 years old.  He had a choking accident and suffered brain anoxia when he was 14 months old.  Though he is very limited with his lack of motor control abilities, he has a heart and spirit as big as the world.  Everyone he meets finds him to be a very special boy who has a lot of love to give.  He puts forth his best efforts in everything he tries to do including hunting big game.

 He worked very hard to pass his Hunter’s Safety Course and was thrilled when he found he was eligible to go on a special hunt at the Ballanger Wildlife Retreat.  He knows that this opportunity was made possible by the Safari Club and he would like to thank all who were involved in funding this great trip for him.  DeLynn realizes that without them he would not get the chance to have such a positive experience.

 Larry DeLynn Bateman (Dad calls him DeLynn but he likes everyone else to call him Larry) was able to visit the Ballenger Wildlife Retreat during November 13^th, and 14^th, 2004 and again December 27^th, 28^th, and 29^th, 2004.  He had an antlerless elk permit.  He was able to see many deer including some pretty large bucks but the elk were a little shy.  Even though he saw several head they were about 600 yards away and he wasn’t able to take a good shot.

Merlyn’s cabin is very nice and comfortable.  What a beautiful setting to experience nature’s magnificence and wonder.  Deer routinely walk by the cabin and can be seen through the large picture windows in the front of the cabin.

Some of the best mountain cooking goes on here at the Ballanger cabin.  Merlyn Ballenger’s breakfasts can’t be beat.  DeLynn even got to help make biscuits.

(This is Merlyn in the kitchen)

It takes patience and perseverance to look for game all day long.  “Hey, Dad!! Come and take a look.”  “I think I saw something move down there in the trees!!”

DeLynn was always looking for animals to come out of the forest.

The window is open and DeLynn is sighting threw his rifle scope.  He doesn’t open the windows for very long because the game may see us and get spooked.  DeLynn was able to get a shot at a calf elk the on his second trip.  It is very tricky to have Dad hold the rifle while he pulls the trigger…and we missed a 250 yard shot.  The elk were still very shy and would not get any closer.

After a full day of hunting, dinner and a video the body gets pretty tired.  DeLynn wanted to sleep inside the blind so as not to disturb any animals in the early morning.  Sometimes that is the best time for seeing game.  One morning we saw 3 wolves go by.  This may have added to the shyness of the game.

 DeLynn would also like to thank his sharp shooter backups that helped him look for elk and stood ready to help if he hit one.

 He looks forward to another chance at bagging a deer next time the opportunity presents itself.  In the mean time he will pray for more snow and less wolves.  He had a wonderful time and thanks everyone.