Angels N Camo Grants Bear Hunting Adventure Wish for Ryan Elks | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

   Angels N Camo is a Beaufort County based 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The organization was founded earlier this year by Lisa Boyd Adams of Washington. The mission of Angels N Camo is to raise funds to grant hunting and fishing adventure wishes of children that have been diagnosed with a life threatening illness. Angels N Camo was founded to honor the memory of Mr. Henry Ball, a life long family friend who was an avid outdoorsman and hunter, who passed away in January 2012 from complications from cancer. Henry was best friends with Lisa's father, Dennis R. Boyd. Dennis and Henry shared a passion for hunting. As a young child, Lisa went hunting with her father and Henry often.

   Over the summer, Angels N Camo granted two fishing trip wishes. Kytaveya Blount, battling kidney cancer, chose a shoreline fishing trip. Her family enjoyed a day of fishing and grilling out on Chocowinity Bay. Hand-size croaker were the stars of the day. Emma Shifflett, battling Spinal Muscular Atrophy, wanted to go out on a boat and catch a “big one.” Emma got her wish when she pulled in a huge red drum that night.

   Most recently, Angels N Camo granted a bear hunting adventure wish for Ryan Elks. Ryan is fighting and winning his battle with leukemia. Tranters Creek Hunting Club and the Southern Dismal Hunting Club helped make Ryan's dream come true. Ryan, his mom Stephanie, Lisa and members of the hunting clubs set out early on the morning of November 12th in pursuit of a black bear. Years of bear hunting experience proved to be right on target. By 10 am, Ryan had his bear. Robbie Norvel, NC State Biologist, came out to meet Ryan and to take a tooth sample and get an official weight for the bear. Taking tooth samples from the black bears allow NCWRC biologists to better monitor bear populations, make management decisions, and evaluate the impacts of bear harvests. Ryan's bear weighed in at 255 lbs. By recording age and sex of harvested bears over a period of years, biologists can more accurately model bear populations. Ryan was presented with a bear cooperator hat and will receive paperwork about his bear, including age, after biologists have completed their study. Before the hunt, Ryan received a gift bag with Angels N Camo apparel, camo pants, a coat and hunting boots. Ryan was also presented with a gift certificate to his favorite restaurant to use at a later date for a fun family night out. Kevin Rutledge with American Wildlife Taxidermy of Washington will be mounting the bear for Ryan to have as a keepsake.

   Angels N Camo has been able to grant these three wishes due to the generosity of many supporters. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Lisa Adams at (252) 402-6575 or by email at angelsncamo@gmail.com. More information can be found online at www.angelsncamo.org. Be sure to find them on Facebook and "Like" their page, www.facebook.com/angelsncamo and follow them on Twitter @AngelsnCamo.
Ryan sitting on the bear: Above.
Ryan Elks: Above.
Ryan with Tranters Creek Hunting Club members: Above.