Some people believe that there is more to life than just them. That there are higher causes than just themselves. That giving is better than receiving. These people are the leaders of Outdoor Buddies. Compassionate behavior is the norm. Chris and Tony are prime examples of this attitude! I saw the above demonstrated to and for me on this elk hunt. Participating in this hunt with these people and the other hunters was a blessing overriding even the thrills of seeing and shooting an elk. Enjoying this beautiful wild country was another blessing. Observing other animals including deer, antelope, and grouse added to this experience and was appreciated. I mentioned these things first because I feel they are most important!

This trip's anticipation was enjoyed for several months. First was being approved by Outdoor Buddies. Then when I drew the tag from CPW, I was on my way. It had been 5 years since I hunted elk and was to have another chance at 82 years old. Without Outdoor Buddies, this would not have even been remotely possible. My daughter Sherry had consented to drive as I can't drive. My wife Pat greatly added to preparation and accompanied us. 

To start the hunt, I had to have help just getting into the pickup, Cooperative and encouraging actions by Chris and Tony made this hunt not only possible but pleasurable. With me at 82 and with my disabilities, patience of these leaders was required and necessary and demonstrated. They were never bossy but were very effective leaders, insisting on safety. 

The hunt was conducted on Friday and Saturday. A large group of approximately 200 elk were spotted on Friday but we couldn't get close enough for an ethical shot. Seeing 200 elk lined out and moving was thrilling. This made the entire hunt fully worth it. An estimated 40 deer and 3 antelope were also seen.

Sunday morning found us spotting about 75 elk in one herd. They milled around and changed directions several times. Eventually the herd came up a draw within shooting range. With my Browning A Bolt with a custom Chanyln barrel, I aimed right behind the front leg and halfway up. My 250g Nosler Partition handloaded with H4831 hit just where I aimed. The bullet achieved complete pass thru. The cow ran just a few yards and fell over. 

I was very fortunate to have this hunt with Outdoor Buddies and the kill was just the icing on the cake. Special thanks goes to Terry who ramrodded this hunt.

-Raymond Parks

We are excited to tell you that Outdoor Buddies will again have a booth at the 2024 International Sportsman's Expo. We have participated in the event for several years and it has allowed us to spread the word about what we do as an organization, meet some great folks and potential donors, sell a significant amount of raffle tickets and have fun! W will have a 10x20 booth located near the Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing pond and the climbing wall.

This year's event is January 11 thru the 14th so mark your calendars and plan to visit our booth!

Another important announcement has to do with a new program that Outdoor Buddies will be starting in 2024 . Thanks to a generous donor, we will be purchasing a large pontoon boat and offering trips to our members and families.

Volunteers are needed to help out with the booth, sell raffle tickets, and spread the word about Outdoor Buddies! Whether you can be there for an hour or the whole day, we would love to have you with us!

Contact Terry Gleason to Sign Up!

Terry Gleason

303-868-2579

terryjgleason@gmail.com

Outdoor Buddies is a 501(c)(3) organization with no paid staff. To make the dream of taking mobility impaired members on hunts, fishing trips, and outdoor adventures into a reality, Outdoor Buddies relies on the support and donations of members and volunteers just like you.

As we look ahead to 2024, we will begin our fundraising season as the hard work begins to plan out the year's hunts and events. You can support Outdoor Buddies by participating in our annual raffle, or by donating via the link below.

Thank you for all of your kind and generous support over the years. Your donations make all of Outdoor Buddies' events possible.

This is a great curry for people who don't normally like curry: It is a stolid, meat-and-potatoes meal that doesn't taste as exotic as it really is. And if you use a premade curry paste, available online or in many decent supermarkets, you can make this in the time it takes to cook the potatoes. I made this with venison, but you could use any meat, really. I've seen massaman curry served with everything from tofu to beef to chicken to pork.

Ingredients

Curry Paste

• 7-10 dried hot chiles
• 2- inch stick of cinnamon
• 12 cardamom seeds, or 1/2 teaspoon ground
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 bay leaves, crushed fine
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup onion, minced
• 1 tablespoon lard or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon minced galangal, fresh or pickled
• 2- inch piece of fresh turmeric or 2 teaspoons powdered
• 1 lemongrass stalk, minced

Curry

• 1 tablespoon lard or vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 14- ounce can coconut milk
• 3 tablespoon fish sauce or 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• A 2-inch piece of cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons yellow curry paste (if not using the curry paste above)
• 2 pounds venison, trimmed of fat and silverskin and cut into 1-inch cubes
• Chives or cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. If you are making your own curry paste, heat the tablespoon of lard and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and translucent. Let cool a bit and put into a bowl. While the onions are cooking, grind the chiles, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, bay leaves and salt into a powder. Put the spice mix into the bowl with the onions and garlic. Add the galangal, turmeric and lemongrass and mix everything well. Pound everything into a rough paste and set aside.
2. In a large sauté pan or wok, heat the other tablespoon of lard or vegetable oil and sear the onions over high heat. Toss well to combine, then don't move the onions for a minute or two -- you want some char on them. Toss again and let sear one more time.
3. Add the potatoes, coconut milk, fish sauce, cinnamon and enough water to just barely cover the potatoes. Mix in the curry paste one tablespoon at a time and stop when it is spicy enough for you. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. When the potatoes are tender, mix in the venison and cook gently for 5 more minutes.
4. Serve at once with chives or cilantro, rice and a cold beer.

Larry Sanford

President

970-218-5356

popslarrys@gmail.com

Nate Lucht

Vice President

(970) 219-8817

nate.lucht@hotmail.com

Christopher Nowak

Treasurer

303-717-7159

christopher_m_nowak@yahoo.com

Terry Gleason

Secretary

303-868-2579

terryjgleason@gmail.com

Kevin Kassner

Director

(303) 946-2502

kevin@asktechnolink.com 

Matt Camilleri

Director

860-930-2389

mcamilleri7@gmail.com

Tony Hodges

Director

303-523-0583

thodgesre21@aol.com

Steve Medberry

Director

720-255-9453

stevemedberry@gmail.com

Edgar Munoz

Director

720-261-1857

edgar4jec1268@gmail.com

Jim Piper

Director

303-514-8944

geopros@q.com

Frederick Solheim

Director-Warriors on Cataract

303-818-7600

WarriorsOnCataract@gmail.com 

Non-board members are welcome. Please RSVP in advance.

Meetings are held from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the locations and dates below.

January 9 - Lone Tree Cabela's

February 13 - Thornton Cabela's

March 12 - Lone Tree Cabela's

April 9 - Thornton Cabela's

May 14 - Lone Tree Cabela's

June 11 - Thornton Cabela's

July 9 - Lone Tree Cabela's

July 30 - Thornton Cabela's

September 10 - Lone Tree Cabela's

October - No Meeting

November 12 - Thornton Sportsman's Warehouse

December 10 - Thornton Sportsman's Warehouse