Stories

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Justin’s Story

Back in the Woods has been a huge blessing to me. I look forward to this weekend all year long. I started hunting with my dad when I was really young, and I am blessed to still be able to hunt today. The guides who volunteer to host a hunter make it possible for people who don’t have an opportunity to hunt. Because of them and the kindness of the churches that cook for us and the volunteers that help process the deer meat and organize the event, I have met people that I call friends now and I stay in touch with them all year. I live in the area, so I have seen firsthand the joy this hunt brings to the whole community. There is nothing else like it. It’s just a blessing to everyone involved. Thank you to everyone who hunts, guides and plays any part in it.

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Brandon's Story

Hi my name is Amanda Holt and I am the sister of Brandon Jewell. Brandon was an avid hunter and fisherman growing up . He was an all around outdoorsman. In July of 2002 Brandon suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident which resulted in him being paralyzed. His injury never stopped him from doing what he loved , he just had to adapt and learn new ways. His childhood best friend Bud Frye would take him to his familys land in Virginia and hunt. One year we heard of this event in Chatham County where they provide a safe hunt for disabled hunters to "get back in the woods again" Bud became his sponsor and he was dedicated every year to participate. He loved it . He looked forward to the event every year as it made him feel abled and free being in the woods again. As his sister I would come every year to the event with him and would watch him back in his element and feel so proud of him for not ever giving up. In July of 2022 Brandon passed away from a tragic drowning accident.  Through my journey of greif God spoke to my parents and I and said that there has to be a way to carry his memory on. There is no better honor than to raise money in our yearly Honor RIde and vendor event where 100% proceeds come Back to the Woods Again. I owe so much gratitude to this event for getting him back in the woods and boosting his confidence. I truly believe this organization and all of the amazing volunteers are sent from God to retore hope and faith.