fbpx
Back

Please enter your username or email address.
You will receive a link to create a new password via email.

Be Adaptive Equipment Gives Wheelchair-Bound Sportsmen a Second Chance

The roar of the .270 rifle broke the silence on the ridge overlooking the grain field. It was followed by collective grins, then an outburst of celebration. Eight-year-old Nate Jacobs had connected on a nice Texas buck.

Prior to the shot, there had been a litany of other activities, including weeks of practice on the shooting range with his dad Wesley and getting acclimated to a unique specialized shooting system. The system that made it possible for Nate to consider shooting and hunting in the first place. Due to a congenital heart defect, Nate has limited use of his legs and arms. With the help of a shooting apparatus called the HQ100, which stabilizes the rifle and increases the scope size, Nate was able to seal the deal with the touch of a button.

Be Adaptive Equipment Beginnings

It was the summer of 2001 when quadriplegic Erig Dirig paid a visit to Brian Kyler, a fourth-generation fabricator. What started as a request for repairs to his wheelchair led to the beginning of great things. Eric was a sportsman who had dreams of a shooting device that could increase his ability in the field. As it turns out, he went to the right place that Indiana summer day.

The two would go on to devise, test and provide adaptive equipment for hunting and the outdoors, together founding Be Adaptive Equipment. This new relationship would result in a lot of hard work creating and improving adaptive solutions for handicapped individuals interested in outdoor pursuits.

As exposure and demand for the products increased, Be Adaptive Equipment grew. By 2005, demand increased to the extent that Brian quit his primary job and devoted all his time and resources to the shooting and other recreational aids he had developed. Be Adaptive Equipment has truly become a positive force in the outdoor industry.

To this day, this small successful company continues to extensively test, build, and improve adaptive hunting equipment for many wheelchair-bound sportsmen and women. Along the way, they have also been the recipient of various awards for their kindness, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

HQ100 High Quad Shooting Device

Their crown jewel is the HQ100 High Quad shooting device. The HQ100 helps hundreds of disabled hunters in the field each year.  Among other things, the device reduces recoil and can be operated by mouth and chin.  A sipping tube or button works to activate the trigger mechanism. This is a miracle for disabled hunters with little or no arm and hand use. However, Be Adaptive’s offerings don’t only allow for rifle use. They have also developed equipment for use with shotguns, pistols, crossbows, and compound bows – not to mention fishing gear.

Perhaps no-one knows the incredible impact of these products more than David Sullivan, Director of Disabled Services at Buckmasters. “Many of our hunters rely heavily on the HQ100. We’ve bought many for them, with great results. What’s really amazing is their success in the field. Our hunters have harvested a wide range of wild game, including deer, hogs and exotic animals. It’s a true blessing,” Sullivan said.

The backdrop to this story is not only Kyler’s craftsmanship and attention to detail, but his compassion for others and love for his work. 

Be Adaptive Equipment Model HQ100
Be Adaptive Equipment Model HQ100

“I’ve had the experience of building many things in my life, but nothing that has given me the satisfaction that I have found in building adaptive equipment,” Kyler said.

This equipment helps disabled individuals who already identify as outdoors enthusiasts, as well as those interested and new to outdoor activities. In both cases, it improves access for these participants. Allowing them to take ownership of and regularly enjoy life in the field and woods.

As the name suggests, Be Adaptive encourages outdoor sports and hobbies for a demographic once severely limited in this area – and Nate Jacobs is one of many disabled hunters they have helped introduce to the outdoors. In doing so, they represent all that is right with hunting and the shooting sports.

“I’ve had the experience of building many things in my life, but nothing that has given me the satisfaction that I have found in building adaptive equipment,” Kyler said.

This equipment helps disabled individuals who already identify as outdoors enthusiasts, as well as those interested and new to outdoor activities. In both cases, it improves access for these participants. Allowing them to take ownership of and regularly enjoy life in the field and woods.

As the name suggests, Be Adaptive encourages outdoor sports and hobbies for a demographic once severely limited in this area – and Nate Jacobs is one of many disabled hunters they have helped introduce to the outdoors. In doing so, they represent all that is right with hunting and the shooting sports.

Loading more posts ...