Special Hunt—Thanks to new advancements in aids for the handicapped like this "High Quad 100" shooting mechanism, outdoor enthusiasts like Devia Eller can once again enjoy some of their favorite activities. Her dad Eddie is shown making final adjustments, during a special hunt in Orange County. Photo by Tony Robinson

Local woman enjoys a special deer hunt thanks to Orange County volunteers

Editor's Note: The following article about Alleghany resident Devia Eller was written in November 2007 by freelance outdoor writer and retired N.C. Wildlife officer Tony Robinson of Valdese. It is reprinted here with his permission.

Growing up in the rural Alleghany County community of Glade Valley, Devia Eller developed a love for the outdoors. Her northern mountain county provided all the ingredients for a young lady like herself to grow up a tomboy. With ample deer and turkey throughout the county, at an early age she grew fond of accompanying her dad Eddie in pursuit of deer.

At age 19, life was fun and full of dreams for the blue-eyed blond. Like most young adults, she was in the process of moving from one stage of life to another. However, fate would intervene late one summer night. Only five minutes from home, a tragic car accident left Devia's young body battered and clinging to life. Hours turned to days, days to weeks and weeks to months.

Devia had eluded death but only due to her unwavering sprit to not give up. Devia's life was spared but her body was not. In the end, she would be paralyzed from the neck down.

Living life one day at a time, Devia gained enough use of her left hand to operate an electric wheelchair.

 

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