Hunt of a lifetime

Hunt of a lifetime
Preserve helps cancer patient realize a dream

By Marge Baerenwald

Reflecting gratitude in God's blessings, Roger Devenport and his wife Sue invited a 14-year-old boy suffering from brain cancer to hunt at their game preserve south of Three Lakes. Perfect conditions led to a perfect shot for Matthew Riley of Cedar Grove last Saturday, granting a perfect wish.

Devenport, owner-manager of the preserve, led Matthew and his father, Richard, into a deer blind set up for a south wind. "It turned out to be perfect," said Devenport. "Four mature eight-point bucks came in from the south and Matthew took a shot at the leader, but missed. As it turned out, another buck stood in a semi-protected area, which worked out perfectly. Matt hit him just behind the left shoulder and he dropped."

Children facing life-threatening illnesses often make final requests to spend a day at Disney or some other fantasy. Organizations such as the Make-a-Wish Foundation helps those children achieve their last wish. But for children who want to go hunting or fishing, this organization is unable to help, according to Tina Pattison of "Hunt of a Lifetime," an organization based in Pennsylvania.

Matthew was diagnosed with brain cancer recently and has undergone surgery as well as chemotherapy. Richard Riley, Matt's father, told a friend at church of Matt's wish to go hunting. The friend contacted Pattison who made arrangements with Devenport. "When we were asked if we'd be willing to participate in this project, we felt this would be an opportunity to demonstrate the many blessings we've received since we opened this place," said Devenport.

Devenport agreed to waive the usual fee of $2,800 and Jim Wendt, a taxidermist in Sayner, has agreed to mount the deer at no cost. He also plans to provide a special hunt next year for disabled hunters and he said he will participate in Hunt of a Lifetime again.

Three Lakes Preserve is located at 5807 Branham Road, south of Three Lakes. The Devenports purchased the 900 acre property in 1993. Their season runs from August 15 through January 31. There are approximately 300 deer with more than half bucks.

Matthew had just received his hunter's safety certificate when he became ill. After removal of the tumor at the base of his brain, he underwent chemotherapy and faces more in the next two years. The chemo has weakened the muscles in his hands and arms, so a lightweight rifle had to be found for him. One was borrowed from his uncle, and because of the additional weight, no scope was used. Although he lost all his hair from the treatments, nothing could erase his million-dollar smile when he brought in the eight-pointer from the woods.

"Matt has a couple of tough years ahead of him," said Richard Riley. "But he's been really strong through all of this, I couldn't be prouder."

Hunt of a Lifetime arranges for special hunting and fishing trips for children and young adults who are terminally ill. Pattison's stepson, Matthew, had Hodgkins' disease, but wanted to go moose hunting in Canada with his father. The Make-a-Wish Foundation was contacted, but the family was told that they don't do hunting trips since animal activists have protested in the past and have made it practically impossible for the Make-a-Wish Foundation to grant this kind of wish. Undeterred, Pattison mounted a telephone search which eventually led to Safari Outfitters, who arranged with a Canadian outfitter who donated the hunt. After he got his moose, Matthew Pattison died two months later. Since then, Pattison has spoken to many hunting groups, receiving monetary contributions toward the establishment of Hunt of a Lifetime in August 1999.

When told of Matthew Riley's success last Saturday, Pattison said she couldn't be happier. "I'm so glad to have this opportunity. When I heard the boy's name on Christmas Eve, it just seemed to be a sign from God that we're doing the right thing," said Pattison.

For more information on Hunt of a Lifetime or to make a donation, write 6297 Buffalo Road, Harborcreek, PA 16421, or phone 1-(814) 899-5682.