Deer trailer to help disabled hunters
A Hillsboro High School vo-ag project that spanned more than a year is finally completed and ready for use.
The HHS class, under the direction of teacher Kristi Esquibel, worked with the Marion Lake Association to construct a trailer to transport physically challenged hunters out to hunting sites.
The trailer is 18 feet long and has an 18-foot ramp that can accommodate four hunters in wheelchairs — or two hunters and one deer, said Neal Whitaker, park ranger at the Marion Reservoir. Supporters were on hand at the high school Thursday morning to test the ramp.
The trailer will be put to use this September with the lake association's annual black powder deer hunt for physically challenged hunters.
Local contributions for the project included materials and labor from Circle D Corporation, Hillsboro Industries, Meyer Pipe and Metal of Tampa, Jost Paint and Fabrication, Prairie Products, and Western Associates.
The trailer is now the property of the Marion Lake Association, and it will be housed at Canada Bait and Tackle when it isn't being used, Whitaker said.
