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Each year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's online drawing system selects a fortunate group of young hunters to participate in the Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge youth hunt. The prize is the chance to harvest a mule deer or white-tailed buck, and up to three white-tailed antlerless or spike deer. Hunting at a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge is a special and sought-after experience. For one lucky youth, Garrett Gonzales, that dream finally became a reality in 2024, leading to memories the family will never forget.
Overcoming Hurdles
Garrett Gonzales's faced many challenges in his life journey, as he was born completely blind. He would have his first surgery at two weeks of age and through the first four years of his life, would go on to have a dozen surgeries. With each one, his vision continuously improved, allowing for more opportunities to try new activities.
"We began to wonder what the future would hold and what vision, if any, he would have," said Saul Gonzales, father of Garrett Gonzales. "His pupils cannot constrict like a normal eye, so bright lighting/sunlight is difficult for him, and sunglasses are necessary. When I think of holding him at two weeks old and the uncertainty that lay before us, I would never have dreamed that 16 years later, he would be holding a mule deer he shot on his own!"
The Hunt
On a Thursday in January, Saul and Garrett Gonzales drove nine hours from the Texas coast. Tristan Gonzales, Garrett's brother, flew into Amarillo to join the hunt that night. The three of them spent Friday scouting for mule deer bucks on the refuge. Per the hunt rules, Garrett Gonzales had only that Saturday and Sunday to harvest an animal.
"This was hunting in its purest form, as the deer were in their natural environment making them challenging to find," said Saul Gonzales. "We spent the entire day Friday using optics and located quite a few deer. Garrett was a trooper while scouting, as his visual impairment doesn't allow him to find deer very quickly. A second set of scouting eyes was very welcomed, and that was just one reason I was glad Garrett's older big brother, Tristan, could join."
The hunt started off on a rocky foot as sheets of rain persisted from Friday through Saturday, totaling 3.5 inches, making it challenging to locate deer. This also limited the availability of roads that could be traveled on the refuge due to excessive mud. Refuge Manager Jude Smith was also on hand to help with locating the deer.
"We were able to find a set of mule deer bucks thanks to Tristan, including a nice deer far bigger than anything we had seen while scouting," said Saul Gonzales. “With Jude's assistance, we got Garrett on a stalk and got within range of the big buck. Once the bucks stood and gave him a shot opportunity, he had difficulty finding them in the scope, and when he was finally able to, the deer were out of range for a comfortable shot. This was the first time anyone in our family had an opportunity to shoot a mule deer and watching them walk away was bittersweet."
Sunday would prove to be the perfect day as dawn came with clear skies and cool temperatures. The feelings among the group were positive, as they had come so close the day before. It was not long before the ideal mule deer buck would be found, thanks to some glassing of fields.
"I can still remember it like it happened yesterday, as I raised the glasses and there he was, lying down and looking at us, and I knew right away he was a shooter," said Saul Gonzales. "I told Garrett to get out on his side of the truck along with his brother as I feared if I opened my door, he might spook."
Garrett and Tristan Gonzales got out of the truck and used it as cover as they snuck toward the front of it. Garrett Gonzales was able to find the buck in the scope and made the perfect shot, just as he had practiced.
"I was filled with adrenaline and nervousness, but I had faith in myself," said Garrett Gonzales. "When I saw him in the scope, I didn't expect him to be that big."
"He made the shot as we had practiced, and the buck went down," said Saul Gonzales. "His brother had helped him set up and find the deer in the scope, and we all couldn't believe it happened."
Memories Last Forever
Hunting can be a family tradition passed down for generations. It is more than just harvesting an animal; it is about connecting with nature and the adventures that it provides as a family. This experience proved to be one that no one will forget, as many challenges were overcome, and Garrett Gonzales was able to experience a successful hunt.
"This hunt reminded me that Garett's vision is indeed a challenge," said Saul Gonzales. "But it also reminded me that when he puts his mind to something, there are no challenges he cannot overcome. This hunt will stay with us forever, and we will never forget the trip, the challenges, and the success!"
"I was very excited because I had the opportunity to hunt on a great piece of land for a unique species," said Garrett Gonzales. "It was very special to be selected from the thousands of kids who applied. I applied in this category for seven years without being selected. I will constantly be reminded of this special weekend when I walk by this shoulder-mounted deer on our mantle."
The mule deer was processed, and the family freezer was filled with meat. Some of it was used to make mule deer sausage, a particular favorite of the family. Every time food from the hunt is shared, especially on future fishing and camping trips, it will strengthen the memory of the experience, and the connection with nature they shared as a family.
