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Until
the accident, Hall had a successful home building business and, when he
wasn’t doing that, he tried to get in as much hunting and fishing as
possible.
His
love of the outdoors not only helped pull him through his ordeal, it
also gave him new direction in life—hunting and healing those who need
spiritual help.
"The
hunting and fishing talents God gave me shows others not to give up on
life regardless of their circumstances," said Hall, adding that it’s
important "to serve God and enjoy doing the things we always loved
to do, even if we are challenged in doing them."
When
doctors told him he likely would remain hospitalized or in
rehabilitation for up to two years, he let them know in a hurry he had
other plans.
"I
told’em I was going to be home for my birthday on Oct. 14 and I got
there two weeks sooner than that," he said.
Hall’s
physical and spiritual strength helped get him through. A man who could
bench press more than 400 pounds and squat much more showed he had the
will to not only survive but carve out a new career at the same time.
A
skilled archer as well as hunter and fisherman, Hall has put it to good
use. He’s spent the last couple of years traveling around the U.S. and
parts of Canada in pursuit of everything from deer to bears and the
biggest fish he could find.
He
and cameraman Rory Owens chronicle outings like the one to the Standing
Rock Hunting Preserve in Tennessee. In search of a prize-size buffalo,
they left Alabama under mild conditions, but the weather quickly
changed.
They
ended up in the middle of a mini-blizzard at one point and were bundled
up as they waited for the right buffalo to take down. The date was April
14—not the time of year for blizzards.
Hall,
Owens and others associated with Second Chance Outdoors have been
pleased with the response from those who watch their shows throughout
the year.
They
estimated more than a million Alabamians have been watching their
programs on the local cable television providers at 7 a.m. on Saturday
mornings.
It
takes a lot of time and effort to get to the segment sites and, once
they are there, they work even harder to set-up to make sure the
lighting and other conditions are just right.
One
part of their programs is called "Down by the Creek." Hall
uses it to mix hunting and fishing with the need for spiritual strength
in times of distress.
"After
what I went through, I have a new outlook on life," he said.
"I realize I had an opportunity to help not just myself, but other
people with personal problems."
Tim
Wood, general manager of the Central Alabama Farmers Cooperative in
Selma, became a big Danny Hall fan after inviting him to his hunting
camp to tape one of his outdoor shows.
"I
had no idea who Danny was or what the ‘Second Chance Outdoors’ even
related to, but we got to know each other that night after he
arrived," said Wood, who added:
"I
could not help but be impressed by a man who could have taken an easier
path and felt sorry for himself. Instead, he found his Savior and
dedicated his life to helping those who needed inspiration and
hope."
Wood
said he doesn’t consider Hall’s disability to be a handicap, not
when he is able to do with one leg what many have trouble doing with
two, especially out in the woods.
"He
just has to make more of an effort than many of us have to," said
Wood. "Danny is definitely an inspiration and his program is his
ministry. If my small part can help, it is the least I can do."
As
with many first-time productions, revenue is always a challenge. Hall
said several sponsors have helped him produce and show his outdoor
programs.
"We
can always use more sponsors," he said. "Our program is seen
in 22 counties in Alabama and we alternate new and rerun shows through
the year."
Hall,
who is a grandfather, is preparing to head for Canada later this year to
hunt black bear. He hopes it won’t be quite as chilly as the last time
he was there.
"It
dropped down to about 60 degrees below zero at one point," he said.
"I came up with the idea to use hand-warmers to keep our camera
batteries from freezing and it worked."
When
he was strong enough to leave the hospital, Hall was determined not to
sit around and feel sorry for himself.
"One
thing I wasn’t going to do was have any pity parties for myself,"
he said. "I was going to help people and that’s one reason why I
speak to so many church groups."
The
electronic age has allowed Hall’s programs to be shown on home
computers as well as cable television outlets. He said viewers
"from around the world" have tuned in to watch him hunt and
fish.
There
is an old adage "Life Begins At 40" and, for Danny Hall, it
couldn’t be a truer saying.
The
accident that cost him his left leg and put him in a coma for 39 days
happened just a few weeks before his 40th birthday.
In
his mind, he is heading toward the fourth year of his new life.
Author’s
Note: If you can’t get Danny Hall’s hunting and fishing program from
your cable TV provider, you can watch it by typing www.secondchanceoutdoors.com on your home
computer.
Alvin
Benn is a freelance writer from Selma. |
