October 27, 2003 SGT Joshua Olson was a on a routine patrol when his convoy came under attack. His lead vehicle was hit by a rocket propelled grenade. As Joshua and his unit returned fire, another rocket hit the Humvee Joshua was behind. The blast injured his leg bad enough that the leg had to be removed at the hip. What seemed like a career ending injury actually lead to a new path as part of the Army Marksmanship program. While recovering at Walter Reed, Josh was asked stay in the Army and join the Army Marksmanship program. That position has given Josh a chance to travel the world shooting for his team and the country. One day we are hoping to see Josh with an Olympic medal around his neck. 

Thanks to Silver Spur Outfitters, Freedom Hunters was able to take Josh on a dream hunt for elk in Colorado. Silver Spur has long been known for it's hospitality and quality hunting.  Josh arrived at Denver International Airport ready for a Wild West adventure. We arrived at the JJJ Ranch the afternoon before the fourth rifle season opened. A quick trip the rifle range in Rifle, gave us the assurance that Josh and his canon of a gun was ready for long range action. As it turns out we needed that extra reach when it came time to pull down on an elk. As Colorado weather can do, we had temperatures warm enough to sun bathe. The problem is elk don't like to bathe in the sun during hunting season. The first morning saw us within 800 yard of several nice bulls, but as we worked closer they slipped over the ridge. That evening we set set in a blind at the edge of a field and the bulls didn't come out until after dark. Day after day the story was the same, but the elk were further away. I guess they saw the canon and didn't want to have any part of the receiving end. One thing for certain was that the Colorado mountains were not going to stop Josh from trying to get close enough for a shot. If our guide Bill said, "we need to go on foot", Josh was the first to say "no problem". If you want a challenge try using crutches over sage and rocks. Finally after a few days Josh got his opportunity to test his skills. Right before dark a nice 6 X 6 bull stepped between a couple cedars. It was 763 yards to the bull. Josh dialed in his scope, took aim and squeezed. Form our view the bull hunched his back and ran into the cedars. We were sure it was a good hit. We only had a few minutes to find the spot below us before darkness fell. We searched for a couple hours that night for signs of blood or hair, but no luck. The search continued the next day with the same results. From the elation right after the shot to the point of giving up the search was hard on all of us, but I'm sure for Josh it was gut wrenching. E very hunter has relived the shot missed and opportunities blown. It is the disappointments in hunting that makes the success later much more sweet. As it turns out, Josh was give another chance to redeem himself months later in New Mexico. This time the bull wasn't so lucky and Josh finally walked away with his trophy. 

Thanks again to Silver Spur Outfitters for making the trip special. This is the second Soldier that they have honored with a hunt. Honoring the men and women that serve our country is something Trent and Cheryl Snyder take very seriously. The price paid by men like Joshua give us the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. For more information about Silver Spur Outfitters and Freedom Hunters, visit our web sites.