Brandon Stacks’ jaw was firmly set, his eyes focused straight ahead. He was sitting in a camouflaged ground blind he shared with his guide, Ernie Hurst. Although cerebral palsy may have strained his mobility, it did nothing to dampen his desire to hunt. So much was said from the huge smile that soon crossed his face, but not a word was spoken. He didn’t have to.

Kokomo businessman Steve Griffey loves to hunt too. But his love for the great outdoors is no match for his desire to involve children, especially disabled children, in the activity he cherishes. Spending time afield can be a lifetime spiritual affair, and he knows it.

Unfortunately some children never experience this due to physical challenges they may have been unfairly dealt. That was until now. Griffey’s passion has evolved to what is appropriately titled “Freedom Hunt 2007.”

For the second year in a row, Griffey has enlisted help from some of our area’s most accomplished sportsmen and women to help make Freedom Hunt again a reality. Here’s how the event will unfold.

This special hunting opportunity is open to 10 physically handicapped children age 15 and under. These children will have the opportunity to camp out during the Indiana youth deer hunting season held Sept. 29 and 30. A parent or guardian must accompany the child during the entire weekend. Every child will have their own personal guide.

Children, parents and guides convene Friday afternoon Sept. 28 at a beautiful Cass County farm which the owner has graciously donated for use during the hunt. It is here, located on the scenic Eel River where participants and volunteers will spend the weekend. All food, hunting equipment and tents will be provided.

Beginning Saturday morning the children will have the opportunity to take part in Indiana’s special youth deer hunting season. These youngsters will be under the constant supervision of their knowledgeable and compassionate guides.

Children interested in taking part in this endeavor must meet several criteria. First, they must be capable of holding and shooting a 20-guage shotgun with minimal assistance. Second, participants must have completed a mandatory Indiana Hunter Education Program (more on that in a minute). Third, children must purchase a valid Indiana deer hunting license.

In case you are wondering about the cost to take part in this special event? Well, it comes at the paltry price of a sincere “thank you” and a firm handshake. That’s it!

If you have a physically challenged child, or know of one who may be interested in this special opportunity, contact Steve Griffey at (765) 776-0659.

Hunter Education Program

With the upcoming Freedom Hunt and other hunting seasons now knocking on our door, the time is right for another Indiana Department of Natural Resources Hunter Education Class, sponsored by the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department.

The two-day program is completely free and will be held Sept. 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again Sept. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. Class sessions will take place at the beautiful Kirkendall Outdoor Education Center located in Jackson Morrow Park, 4200 S. Park Road.

It is important to remember that in order to legally hunt in Indiana, anyone born after Dec. 31, 1986 must obtain a Hunter Ed. certificate. In addition, many of our western states and Canadian Provinces require all non-resident hunters have this certification, regardless of age.

Students will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Class size in limited to 120. Although this course is open to everyone, it is better suited for children above the age of nine. To register, you can contact the Kokomo Parks office Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at (765) 456-PARK.

Don’t think this program is just for hunters. Anyone with an outdoor interest can benefit from the wealth of knowledge presented by Howard County Hunter Ed. Coordinator Denny Heaton and his well-trained staff.

The curriculum is substantial, consisting of 10 hours of class instruction. Some subject areas covered include hunter responsibility, ethics and wildlife conservation. Other topics include game care, wildlife identification, survival and first aid. Heaton and his crew do a masterful job at presenting the importance of complete firearm safety. Students also learn about muzzleloaders, archery equipment and tree stand safety.

To become certified as a graduate each student must score at least 70 percent correct on the 100-question final exam. Graduates will then receive a certificate good for life.

The basic intent of the hunter ed. program is to improve overall outdoor safety and knowledge while helping students develop an attitude of respect for our environment and outdoor resources.

Tournament results

• The Kokomo Bass Anglers recently came off a night tournament staged on Lake Webster. After weigh-in it was Troy Freant coming away with the win with two largemouth totaling 6 pounds, 5 ounces. Second place and the tourney’s “big fish” honor went to Dave Pross with one largemouth tipping the scales at 4 pounds, 10 ounces. Garrie Henninge took third with two fish weighing 4 pounds, 8 ounces.

• The Kokomo Reservoir was the site of the latest stop made by members of the Bullseye Outdoors Team Tournament Trail. This time it was the team of Dick Mugg and Doug Pence claiming the top spot with five largemouth bass dropping the electronic scales to 9.43 pounds. Second place went to Roby Ahnert and Jerry Pickett with five fish weighing 8.51 pounds. Third place and the contest’s “big fish” award went to Phil Reel and Gregg Rude with two bass totaling 6.29 pounds. Their largest tipped the scales at just under 4 pounds.

The popular tournament trail will make their next stop Sept. 8 at Salamonie Reservoir.

• Bob Rose and Terry Thor ran away from the field at last Monday morning’s Kokomo Reservoir open team bass tourney sponsored by Ohio Marine. Rose and Thor took first place with three largemouth totaling 6 pounds, 6 ounces. A 3-pound, 5-ounce fish also gave them the weekly event’s “big fish” pot. Mike Bailey and Bud Fields earned second place with one fish tipping the scales at 2 pounds, 7 ounces.

• Keith Milburn and Ron Miller took first place and “big fish” honors at last Tuesday’s Delphi-Delco Team bass tourney, held on Mississinewa Reservoir, with a single largemouth weighing 2 pounds, 14 ounces. Paul Crow and Gerald Miller were second with a 1-pound, 15-ounce largemouth. Third place went to Ron Weigt and Royce Cage with a 1-pound, 10-ounce fish.

• Bart Alexander and Mark Gibson left double winners after last Wednesday evening’s Kokomo Reservoir open team bass tourney. They carried three bass to the scales sporting a total weight of 6 pounds, 2 ounces. A 2-pound, 12-ounce fish also gave them the weekly event’s “big fish” honor.

Special note

Beginning Sept. 5, the Wednesday evening Kokomo Reservoir open team bass tourney will take place half an hour earlier, starting at 4:30 p.m.

Tribune catches of the week

Malone’s Nyona Lake Bait and Tackle: Dwight Seagrave and Mike Caldwalder hauled in 38 bluegills, averaging 7 inches, while plying the waters of Nyona Lake. The area anglers encountered their success using crickets.

Peoria Bait and Tackle: Keith and Terrell Ambrose cleaned nine channel catfish after a recent outing on the Mississinewa River. Taken on live bait, the fish averaged 3 pounds in weight.

Springhill Camp Ground and Pay Pit: Bob Summers caught five perfect eating-size channel catfish sporting a total weight of 8 pounds, 1 ounce. Summers took his fish from the western Howard County pay lake using live bait.

John Martino is the Tribune’s outdoors columnist. He can be reached through the sports department.