September 29 , 2009
Contact: Joshua Coursey
Tel.: 307-389-7495 or 307-875-4418
E-mail: josh@wytrucks.com
MDF Chapter Presents Another 2009 Wyoming Commissioner Tag to Boy with Life Threatening Illness
L-R: MDF's Shaun Harris and tag recipient Cody Brown.
ROCK SPRINGS, Wyoming – On Sept. 29, 2009, 14 year old Cody Brown’s face was beaming as he was presented a highly coveted 2009 Wyoming Commissioners Tag for Elk through the Muley Fanatic Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation by Committee member Shaun Harris. Brown, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, was selected to receive this tag as part of a special program through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for youth suffering from life threatening illnesses.
Cody has had multiple surgeries throughout his life. These have included lengthening tendons, muscles and bones just to make it possible for him to walk. His mother Jeannette Brown says Cody always comes through with a smile. His father Bob Brown says he is already looking forward to the opening day.
Although the Muley Fanatic Chapter is based in Rock Springs, Committee member Shaun Harris is trying to serve as a liaison between the chapter and the Bridger Valley.
Two other tags were also presented on September 17 by Chairman Joshua Coursey and Co-Chairman Joey Faigl to 12 year old Josh Patterson who was all smiles. Patterson was also presented a 2009 Wyoming Commissioner Tag for Deer and Antelope. Patterson suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and Hadju Cheney, a very rare bone disease.
Josh Coursey, Chapter Chairman, said “When I found out about the program, I was determined to make sure that we apply for the tags and find a recipient to receive such coveted tags. 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 we would draw one so we could present Patterson 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 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 every day, and to see this boy who battles every day be so strong and happy was beyond words.”
Coursey explained 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 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. He also 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.
###
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