Chicora boy, 13, going on the hunt of his life
A little boy wearing a “Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt” camouflage hat, a dark-red shirt with a small white moose logo and bruises on his right arm like badges sat in the sheriff's office last week to talk about an upcoming adventure.
His name is Danner Sweeney, 13, of Chicora, and he was selected to take part in a big-game hunt in Arizona with the help of the Butler County Sheriff's Office.
Outdoor Experience 4 All is an Arizona-based nonprofit that offers outdoor experiences to youths diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses, children of fallen heroes and children with disabilities.
Because of the group's nonprofit status, the Arizona Game and Fish Department allows unused hunting permits to be transferred to the organization.
Deputy Walter Widenhofer told Danner he will have tags for a desert mule deer, a coues deer and a javelina. He said the boy also will have the assistance of a professional hunting guide who has a depth of experience in both the geography and wildlife within the locale.
“Once you get the harvest, we'll come help you from there,” Widenhofer said. “You'll be ready to shoot right away. It's going to be game on when you get out there.”Danner said he couldn't be more excited, and that his goal is to harvest a mule deer.“I remember showing dad some pictures of mule deer,” he said.He said hunting is a big part of his life, adding he can let everything else go when out in the woods with a gun in his hand,“I remember I was going out since I was 4 or 5, and I actually started hunting when I was 8,” Danner said. “I like to go out and just focus on getting a deer and relax.”His father, Jeff Sweeney, who works at the Butler County Prison, told Sheriff Michael Slupe and Widenhofer the story of how his son came into the world.Danner's first challenge was being born with an imperforate anus, which didn't allow him to pass stool.Down the road, doctors would periodically find things in the boy's body that were not where they were supposed to be, such as his heart being in the middle of his chest or eight missing ribs.
“We thank the good lord every day,” Sweeney said. “He ain't gonna be a big kid. He's got a big heart.”Danner also has issues with his sight, having been born with dermoid cysts “all over his eyes,” according to his father.“When he looked into the woods, everything looked the same,” Jeff Sweeney said.He said once settled in their hunting perch, he would act as a spotter for his son. He would see a deer, then grab Danner's head and turn it toward the animal. Then he would point from over the boy's shoulder to help Danner track the deer.This is how things have always been, Jeff Sweeney said, until last year when Danner spotted and harvested an eight-point buck.“Last year was the first time he spotted a deer without me,” the father said.Slupe said Jeff Sweeney's story about Danner overwhelmed him with emotion.“To see this young man at age 13 is an inspiration for life,” Slupe said. “He was the absolute perfect candidate for this experience.”Following the meeting, Slupe and Widenhofer escorted Danner to a courtroom.Danner held his right hand in the air and repeated after Judge S. Michael Yeager. With a few important promises, Yeager dubbed Danner an honorary sheriff's deputy.
“I never had any of my deputies sworn in by a judge, they don't have to be. But this kid is pretty darn special,” Slupe said. “I was tearing up. It was incredible to watch Danner recite the oath. It was just awe-inspiring for me.”Along for the ride was Denny Glasgow, one of Danner's sponsors. He said he was impressed by the boy's spirit and hunting expertise. He said he also enjoyed hearing about Danner's adventures with his dog, Rosie, the boy's English setter, which has a crook in its tail.Glasgow said he wants Danner to have a life-changing adventure.“It's an incredible experience,” he said. “They make everything simplified. It'll be an experience (he'll) never forget.”Widenhofer said the hunting in Arizona will likely be unforgettable, but he added Danner will also make memories sitting around camp and socializing with the group.“You'll have as much fun at the camp as you will on the hunt,” Widenhofer told Danner.Widenhofer said he was thankful to the donors who have helped Danner reach Arizona and participate in the hunt.“All this is made possible by all the people in the county (who) are donating,” he said.Widenhofer said anyone inspired by Danner's story who wants to donate can contact the sheriff's office at 724-284-5245.
