Turkey Hunters Find Success
The Ekalaka Eagle - May 24, 2002
Four hunters with disablities were successful in bagging wild turkeys this spring, thanks to help from Leonard Livingston's Beaver Creek Rendezvous, a hunting camp for disabled hunters.
The four hunters, all from Montana, each bagged their gobbler and as Livingston put it, "Went home with a smile."
Based at Livingston's LA ranch, just north of Ekalaka on Highway 7, the Beaver Creek Rendezvous provides an opportunity for hunters with disabilities to hunt deer, antelope, and turkeys.
The idea began 15 years ago, when Livingston, who has multiple sclerosis, was in a wheel chair and participated in a hunt for disabled hunters in Douglas, Wyoming. "It was a great hunt with a bunch of people that made it seem like you were one of the family."
He was asked to come back for future hunts; and after the first year when his physical condition improved, he was able to help guide other disabled hunters. And Livingston has been doing that ever since.
After moving to Ekalaka, he started having some of his disabled friends come to Carter County to hunt, and finally put together a deer hunt. Along the way, he has had the cooperation of a number of area land owners, so finding game has not been a problem; and the hunts have been successful.
Last year Livingston formalized the idea into the Beaver Creek Rendezvous, and now offers hunts for deer, antelope, and turkeys. Hunts are usually organized for the first three days of each season, and have involved as many as six hunters at a time. Livingston hopes for more in the future.
Livingston wants to add a building at his ranch specifically for the hunter, and is in the early stages of making those plans. And, of course, donations are always welcome. To contribute, or for more information, contact Leonard Livingston, Beaver Creek Rendezvous, P.O. Box 292, Ekalaka, MT 59324.
