by Sherri Benson

Created on: October 12, 2009   Last Updated: October 13, 2009

It is hard enough to shoot a dove in the air or in the bush but to hunt dove with only one arm is even more difficult. In Olney, TX they have an annual event called the One Armed Dove Hunt. It has been around since 1972 when the two Jacks, Jack Northrup and Jack Bishop, were joking around about hunting and teaching a one armed person to hunt. Some thought that this was impossible but they have proven us all wrong. The first year there were maybe six local Olney men who lost an arm in attendance. With such an unusual name word of mouth soon spread and the event is held every year the first weekend after Labor Day. The One Armed Dove Hunt is now Texas' most unusual event.

The event is for those who have lost an upper appendage whether it is from a birth defect or amputee. People now come from all over the nation for this event. This year was attended by maybe 80 or so amputees and their families. Their guns are their healing. It shows them that they do not have to give up things they like to do that two armed people can do so easily.

While some have special straps to hold their guns in place, others may just swing it to their shoulder and shoot all in one sweeping motion. After the dove hunting there is also a horseshoe throwing contest, bull chip throwing contest, musical entertainment and let's not forget the famous ten cent a finger breakfast. For those who don't like to hunt there is also bingo and dominoes.

The doves may not have much to worry about since you may see a bird flying and hear hundreds of shots fired and the bird keeps flapping away. At the same time, there are those who have bagged as many as eight birds in an hour. Talk about true inspiration, those that participate in the annual event is defiantly that. Whether you are a new amputee or an old one you are welcome at the event. For registration you can go to http://www.onearmdovehunt.com/.

It is somewhat amazing to see so many people in one town with only one arm or maybe even no arms. It is quite inspirational to see the camaraderie and great fellowship that is enjoyed by all. There is no room for pity here at this event. You have never heard so much cheering as when little Joey, who is a child with no arms, threw a ringer in horseshoes. It is really quite amazing to see the events and the people who support them. There is not another spot in the US that will see so many with missing appendages in one little town. Olney welcomes you to come to the event this year and see how hope can spread.

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