Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
11:21 am Wednesday, February 13, 2002

Hover takes deer during ultimate team-up

By Staff
Jan. 18, 2002
Darrell Hover of Collinsville experienced one of the best weekends of his life recently. During a local Wheelin' Sportsman event, Hover teamed up with Steve Thomas and Barry Parker on a successful Saturday afternoon hunt.
Hover is a long time deer hunter who has been unable to participate in his favorite pastime for the last seven years or so. During an elk hunting trip to Colorado, he had a tragic accident on a 4-wheeler. While returning to camp, the ATV hit an icy spot in the road and careened off a steep embankment. As a result of the accident, he was left with a broken neck and became a quadriplegic.
Weekend hunt
During the weekend hunt, it truly was an ultimate team-up as many volunteers and celebrities joined together to make the hunt a success. Late Saturday afternoon, Steve Thomas joined Barry Parker and Hover in a stand overlooking a green field on the A&B Sportsmen's Club. About 4:30 a couple of deer came out in the patch. Between 4:30 and 5 p.m. several more does came in to feed.
As evening fog began descending on the patch, Hover decided to take a doe. Due to a lack of strength in his right arm, he had to have assistance with the rifle. With the help of a gun support made by Carson at Specialty Machine and Welding, he was able to rest his rifle and take aim on the deer. Parker had to help pull the trigger once Hover had the deer in the crosshairs.
For the first time in over seven years, Hover experienced "deer fever" and began shaking all over. After a few deep breaths and composing himself, he took aim and held fast on the deer. As the rifle roared to life, the deer lurched and ran out of the patch. It was obvious that he had made a good hit.
The trio waited a few minutes before searching for the deer, and more deer poured into the patch. A small buck and several more does came in and provided further excitement. Hover thought that it was awesome getting to see more deer after taking his initial shot at the doe.
After a 15 minute wait, they promptly found the deer just out of sight of the stand. Hover had taken the nice doe with a single shot from his .280 Remington bolt action rifle. What a climactic moment it had been. Hover stated that the hunt was one of the most exciting events that he has experienced since his accident.
Special thanks
Although Hover sustained a near life threatening injury, he has rebounded and obtained more education in computer programming while still working in the wholesale food business. However, one of his fondest accomplishments was his weekend of dreams.
Hover's weekend hunt could not have happened without the many celebrities, volunteers and conservation officers who helped with the event. Hover is especially thankful for Jimmy and Ann Alexander and their family for making their place available for the hunt. "The Alexanders really went above and beyond the call of duty!" exclaimed Hover.

Also on Franklin County Times
Thorpe to play at Blue Mountain Christian
High School Sports, News, Russellville, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Brennon Thorpe made his plans official to attend Blue Mountain Christian University and play baseball for the Toppers during a recent s...
Former Cypress Lakes official to lead Guntersville State Park
Lifestyles, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
GUNTERSVILLE — Heath Puckett had an Auburn University degree and golf course superintendent certification in his pocket when he arrived at Cypress Lak...
Russellville High Class of 1967 gathers, reminisces
Columnists, News, Opinion, ...
HERE AND NOW
July 16, 2025
You can’t really go back to the good old days of high school, but you can pay them a visit now and then. That’s exactly what the RHS Class of 1967 has...
European travel builds bonds across cultures
Lifestyles, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- A group of Franklin County travelers spent nine days this summer walking through catacombs, exploring castles and standing in places w...
Little Free Library welcomes readers in East Franklin
Lifestyles, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Eleven-year-old Aiden Hall is an avid reader, but he doesn’t just want to read books. He also wants to share them, and the way he deci...
King becomes elementary curriculum director
Lifestyles, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELVILLE — Molly King says every child can learn, though not necessarily in the same way or on the same day — a belief she plans to carry into her ...
New Junior Leaders begin their training
Franklin County, News
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
FRANKLIN COUNTY — Forty-two high school students from across Franklin County are beginning 10 months of hands-on leadership training and community ser...
Fire destroys 2-story garage, guest suite
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
R U S S E L LV I L L E – Jason Gist leaned against the wall of his home with a look of disgust while dozens of firefighters worked to extinguish a fir...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Stories
July 4, 2025Augusto Simon Diaz, 42, of Russellville, passed away July 4. Visitation and funeral were held at Spry Memorial Chapel on July 12 from 2pm ...
July 16, 2025
July 8, 2025Jamie Kerby Cummings, 41, of Russellville, passed away on July 8. Visitation took place July 13, at Spry Memorial Chapel from 1 pm to 3pm....
July 16, 2025
July 11,2025Julie “JuJu” Welch Black, 63, of Russellville, passed away on July 11.Graveside service was held at 1pm on July 13, at Belgreen Cemetery w...
July 16, 2025
July 9, 2025Scott Noel Benford, age 58, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on July 9. Visitation was held at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville on July 1...
July 16, 2025