Dan Burns and his son, Nevin, of Chicora, with deer bagged on a hunt last fall.

EAU CLAIRE — Dan Burns of Chicora has started a special hunting program which he hopes will turn into a tradition.

The Nevin’s Hunting Friends program will take place Oct. 22-24 on a 700-acre Eau Claire farm. The farm’s owner is allowing the use of the property for the hunt.

Burns started the hunt for his son, Nevin, 9, who has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which limits him physically. Burns said hunting is the good activity for Nevin because the waiting required is a matter of patience rather than endurance.

“Doctors say he may grow out of it. He may not,” Burns said. “He doesn’t have many activities he can do without pain or discomfort.”

Burns used to take Nevin to a special hunt in another county, but that event now focuses on another cause. The change prompted Burns to start his own hunt, and he began thinking about other children with health issues.

“I just want to give the other kids out there the same opportunities Nevin has,” he said. “Some kids may get out there and not like it, but at least they gave it a try.”

So far, eight special-needs children have registered for the hunt.

While in the woods, the children will be accompanied by a minimum of two adults, a parent or guardian and a guide. One adult per group is required to have a hunting license.

Burns said he hopes the children enjoy the hunt, and return. He wants it to turn into something he can pass on to his son, when he comes of age.

Those helping with the program have been selling ball caps and T-shirts with the initials NF written in arrows. The money raised will help buy chairs for those who need to sit and for hunting clothes for first-time hunters.

Applications for the program can be found on the group’s Facebook page or by e-mailing Burns at djburns40@yahoo.com.

The group also is accepting donations and sponsorships via the website Go Fund Me.