September 17 , 2009
Contact: Joshua Coursey
Tel.: 307-389-7495 or 307-875-4418
E-mail: josh@wytrucks.com
MDF Chapter Presents 2009 Wyoming Commissioner Tags to Boys with Life Threatening Illnesses
L-R: Joey Faigl, Josh Patterson, Joshua Coursey.
ROCK SPRINGS, Wyoming – On Sept. 17, 2009, 12 year old Josh Patterson was all smiles. Patterson was presented two highly coveted 2009 Wyoming Commissioner Tags for Deer and Antelope by Muley Fanatic Chairman Joshua Coursey and Co-Chairman Joey Faigl. Patterson, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and Hadju Cheney, a very rare bone disease, was selected to receive these two tags as part of a special program through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for youth suffering from life threatening illnesses.
“When I found out about the program, I was determined to make sure we apply for the tags and find a recipient to receive such coveted tags,” said Coursey. “If there is an opportunity to help someone that is struggling with more than most of us will ever face or understand, then we felt it was our duty to use the Mule Deer Foundation as a platform to not only help deer but to help people.”
Coursey added that when he first contacted the Wyoming Game and Fish office in Cheyenne, Wyo., he felt like there was a good chance of getting one tag. “It is basically a draw just like any other limited quota tags. We (Muley Fanatic Chapter), along with many other non-profit organizations submitted applications for deer, elk and antelope and were really just hopeful that we would draw one so we could present Josh with an incredible hunting opportunity. To receive all three tags was unexpected to say the least.”
Patterson’s step-father Bryan Searle had already put Josh in for a limited quota Elk tag as part of a party permit and was successful in drawing it, so the Chapter started looking for another recipient for the Elk tag. One of the Chapter committee members, Shaun Harris from Lyman, Wyo., was able to find Cody Brown, a 14 year old who suffers from cerebral palsy to receive the elk tag.
“Both boys are very excited,” added Coursey. “It is by far the most important thing we have done as a Chapter. We have had four great years with the Chapter and have accomplished a great deal within the Mule Deer Foundation, but nothing compares to seeing Josh’s face when we presented him these tags. It was an emotional moment for all of us. We just take so much for granted, and to see this boy who battles every day be so strong and happy was beyond words.”
Coursey explained that what makes the Commissioner tags so special is that you can declare any hunt area in the state of Wyoming and hunt them during their allotted hunting seasons. Patterson has selected area 102 for deer and 59 for antelope. Brown selected area 124 for elk. All three are highly coveted limited quota areas.
The Chapter and its volunteers are planning on helping both boys and their Dad’s with their respective hunts.
Although there were some hesitations to publicize this info, Coursey and Searle decided it was best to bring this great program to the attention of others.
“At first I was adamant that we not draw any extra attention to the situation. I just felt like we would be emphasizing more on the life threatening disease aspect of this process than the incredible hunting opportunity for a special youth. I just didn’t want Josh to feel awkward. When Bryan and I talked about this, we decided it would be best to shed some light on this terrific program. Hopefully, we can offer this opportunity to others who may be suffering from a life threatening illness,” said Coursey, who added that he would like to see this happen each year with a deserving youth from Wyoming.
For more information on this program or if you’d like to become a part of the Muley Fanatic Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation, please contact Joshua Coursey at 307-389-7495 or Joey Faigl at 307-350-0314, or visit them online at www.muleyfanatic.com.
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About MDF
The Mule Deer Foundation is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization, with over 14,000 members. MDF’s mission is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitats. MDF is dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer habitat (including land and easement acquisitions) resulting in self-sustaining, healthy, free ranging and huntable deer populations; encouraging and supporting responsible wildlife management with government agencies, private organizations and landowners; promoting public education and scientific research related to mule deer and wildlife management; supporting and encouraging responsible and ethical behavior and awareness of issues among those whose actions affect mule deer; and acknowledging regulated hunting as a viable component of mule deer and black-tailed deer conservation.
For information about the Mule Deer Foundation please call 888-375-DEER (3337). here