Chad Waligura

April 21
46 mins

Episode Description

Join Dana Dykema at the Hunt Fish Podcast Summit IN Texas as she sits down with Chad Waligura, a quadriplegic hunter. Chad shares his inspiring journey of resilience after a life changing injury. Discover how he pioneered adaptive hunting techniques, proving that no obstacle is too great to pursue your dreams in the great outdoors. Chad was named Buckmasters' 2003 Challenged Hunter of the Year and was chosen by Safari Club International for the Pathfinder Award in 2010.

Through determination and the support of family and friends, Chad transformed a life-changing injury into a mission to help others rediscover the outdoors—regardless of physical limits. His journey from hospital bed to outdoor educator and TV personality is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the human spirit.

In this episode, Chad shares how he broke his neck diving into a pool at 17 but refused to let injury define him. He embraced the outdoors with even more fervor, pioneering adaptive hunting techniques when little information was available. You'll discover how failure fuels invention, the importance of adaptive equipment—mainstream and specialized—and the vital role of community and service in healing. Chad’s story is filled with incredible hunts, from wing shooting to guiding blind hunters and inspiring others to see beyond limitations.

We break down the “figureoutable” mindset—how embracing curiosity and creativity can turn impossible into possible. Chad reflects on the technology and tools that have transformed his hunting experiences, innovative gear tailored for adaptive needs, and heartfelt moments helping strangers realize their hunting and outdoor dreams.

Whether you're an outdoors enthusiast, a caregiver, or someone facing your own hardships, this episode offers practical insights, hope, and a call to action: no matter your circumstances, the wilderness awaits. Perfect for anyone who believes that challenges are opportunities for growth, or those seeking motivation to push beyond perceived barriers. Chad’s story underscores that the true wilderness is not just outside, but also within us—waiting to be explored. So hit play and get ready to be inspired.


You can follow Chad on Instagram at @able_outdoors


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