At Big Dreams Outdoors, we’re always looking for new ways to push the limits of adventure, and to create life-changing experiences for individuals of all abilities. Our most daring expedition yet took us to Honey Brake Lodge in Louisiana, where we embarked on our first-ever alligator hunt. This was more than just an adrenaline-packed adventure—it was a chance to break down barriers, challenge outdated perceptions, and bring together people with and without disabilities in an experience that will change us all forever.
Our Goal: Uniting All Outdoors Enthusiasts
When we founded Big Dreams Outdoors, we had one clear mission: to create inclusive outdoor experiences that bring people with disabilities together with those without. The hunting community has always been about camaraderie and respect, but too often, people with special needs have been viewed as charity cases rather than full participants in the sport. Too frequently, hunting for individuals with disabilities has been limited to charity hunts, where the focus is on “giving” rather than empowering.
We set out to change that. Our mission is simple: not only do we want to provide people with disabilities the chance to hunt, but we want to integrate them fully into the hunting community. Every hunt, every adventure is about bringing people together, creating lasting memories, and building a community where everyone, no matter their abilities, is an equal participant in the pursuit of the wild.
The Alligator Hunt at Honey Brake Lodge
Honey Brake Lodge in Louisiana was the perfect backdrop for what would be a truly monumental trip. Known for its vast wetlands and abundant wildlife, it offered the ideal terrain for an alligator hunt. But for us at Big Dreams Outdoors, this trip wasn’t just about the thrill of the hunt—it was about leveling up our mission and proving to the world what people with disabilities can truly achieve.
This hunt wasn’t for the faint of heart. We spent the entire day navigating bayous and marshes in search of the elusive and dangerous alligator. With the help of expert guides and a dedicated support team, we learned all about alligator hunting—from spotting our prey to making the perfect shot. It was a test of patience, skill, and teamwork, and everyone contributed in their own unique way.
For many, it was their first time hunting alligators. It was an experience that changed lives. But it wasn’t just about harvesting a gator—it was about feeling empowered, breaking through the limitations that society often places on people with disabilities. The success of the hunt wasn’t about the number of gators we bagged; it was about the strides we made in inclusion, empowerment, and respect for each other.
Changing Perceptions in the Hunting Community
The hunting community has always been known for its camaraderie, but there’s long been a perception that people with disabilities need to be “given” the opportunity to hunt, rather than being seen as equal participants. At Big Dreams Outdoors, we are working to change that. Our hunts prove that people with disabilities can be just as skilled, just as passionate, and just as capable as anyone else in the field.
What happened at Honey Brake Lodge wasn’t just a successful hunt—it was a shift in how we all view hunting and inclusion. The participants weren’t seen as beneficiaries of charity—they were hunters. Full participants in a meaningful, shared experience. This trip was a powerful reminder that the outdoors belong to all of us, regardless of our abilities, and that when we embrace diversity, we enrich the entire hunting community.
By offering people with disabilities a chance to experience hunting in a true, authentic way, we’re not just creating memories; we’re challenging the hunting community to rethink its definition of who belongs. Our hunts are opening minds, broadening perceptions, and paving the way for a more inclusive future for the sport.
The Impact: A Forever-Shaped Perspective
The alligator hunt at Honey Brake Lodge was a momentous occasion. For our participants, it was a breakthrough—proof that they can achieve things they once thought were impossible. For the hunting community, it was a reminder of what true inclusion looks like. And for all of us involved, it was an experience that will shape our perceptions of the outdoors for years to come.
At Big Dreams Outdoors, we aren’t just offering outdoor experiences—we’re building a new vision for the hunting world. A vision that fully embraces the diversity of those who love the sport. When people with and without disabilities come together to share in the thrill of the hunt, we all gain a new sense of understanding, respect, and camaraderie.
The future of hunting is inclusive. And with organizations like ours leading the way, it’s clear that every adventure—whether it’s a hunt for alligators in Louisiana or an expedition into the wilderness—has the power to change lives and perspectives. It’s not just about the animals we pursue, but about the bonds we build and the doors we open along the way.
Here’s to more adventures ahead, and to breaking down every barrier that stands in the way of inclusion, opportunity, and adventure. Because in the end, the wild belongs to all of us.
