Willie Davis
It was toward the end of my wheelchair basketball career that I got involved in bow hunting (using a crossbow to hunt deer). Well, actually my brother and his good friend got me interested when they asked me to go out with them. My first time gave me a lot of pleasure and confidence to want to do this more. I soon began going out almost daily during that first hunting season, but did not get a deer. But, it did not matter because I enjoyed spending time with my brother and friends each time I went out. There were different experiences, scenery and things we encountered that compared to nothing else I have ever done in life. It was addicting, kind of like being on some type of drug but, it was a natural high on life and nature. I was one with nature and it was so serene to sit there in the wild and think about life, family, and friends. It was also nice to escape reality--the hustle and bustle of life--which can be so chaotic and fast pace. Going out hunting, whether I was sitting with my brother, friend or by myself (yes, I often sat for hours in my ground blind hunting alone), this time was precious and I enjoyed every minute I had the opportunity to go out.
It took me nearly 2 ½ years before I was able to shoot my first deer with a crossbow. But, I did it and wrote an article for the Bismarck Tribune and my local paper. I enjoyed sharing these memories that I was able to put in writing. It is unfortunate that I have not been able to continue hunting over the last few years, due to my arthritic conditions. Although I am limited in the physical activities I can enjoy, I do find time to play pool which is my only outlet and real exercise, other than wheeling around daily in my wheelchair. Some days I can wheel up to three to four miles going around my house or moving around on the job. I do continue to play in a pool league that starts in September and ends in March. However, I must continue to practice and try to do this once or twice every week to sharpen my skills and keep my body physically fit. I also played on the National Wheelchair Poolplayers Association circuit for 3 years. We attended one to two tournaments a month in different parts of the country with a National/International tournament concluding in November. Participating and getting into this tournament required major financial support which I had during those three years through corporate and private sponsorship.
| Final words from Willie on independent living |  |