Dream Comes True in Clearfield County

A 17-year-old disabled youth from Warren had a dream come true in Clearfield County.

Matt Bunk was hit by a truck at only 18 months of age leaving him partially paralyzed and only the use of his left arm. Matt has always wanted to go hunting but never thought he would get the chance to do so.

In late September, thanks to the North Central PA Pheasants Forever Chapter 630’s Youth Foundation Hunt program, Matt was able to spend several days afield at Fork Ridge Ranch which is a new outdoor adventure and hunting complex near Frenchville. Pheasants Forever members provided Matt with ammunition, bird dogs and handlers, plus an ATV equipped with a special seat in front of the machine with an adjustable shooting rest.

After some practice rounds and adjustments, Matt started his wing shooting adventure. Soon the dogs were pointing birds hiding in the dense cover. With some help from his brother Will, Matt was able to take aim and harvest several flushing pheasants and chukar partridge during his hunt.

That evening he traded his shotgun for a rifle to give mountain hog hunting a try on the Fork Ridge big game preserve. After some searching, a hog was finally located in a mud wallow. Matt’s aim was true as he was all smiles with his 155 lb. mountain hog.

The Bunk family and Pheasants Forever members spent the night at the beautiful Fork Ridge Lodge to recharge for the second morning of bird hunting and fun. Matt again was able to harvest several birds. At the end of the event Pheasants Forever presented Matt with a mounted male pheasant in flight. Jim’s Sports Center, Impact Printing, Fun Central, Visit Clearfield County, & Grice Gun Shop also donated items to Matt. The Country Butcher donated the processing of the hog.

To learn more about this story, visit http://www.northcentralpa.pheasantsforever.org and http://www.forkridgeranch.com

Pictured, Bill Bunk with his sons Matt and Will hunting pheasants at Fork Ridge Ranch
Photo courtesy of Pheasants Forever

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