Paraplegic hunters pursue their passion

For more than 40 years, paraplegic hunters have gathered in the predawn darkness around Massachusetts for an opportunity that would otherwise be difficult, if not impossible.

The specialized deer hunt brings together sportsmen and women, volunteers and workers from the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for three days every fall.

John Pelletier broke his back when he fell out of a tree stand while hunting in 2004, and the program has allowed him to continue what he calls his passion. He now takes his .50-caliber muzzle-loader to the Massachusetts Military Reservation on Cape Cod to hunt every year.