Kendrick hunter overcomes limited vision to return to the field

But the equipment was only the beginning. They practiced shooting positions, rifle adjustments and the precise language they would use in the field. Austin learned how to describe what he was seeing, while Perrigo learned to make small corrections based on Austin's instructions. Over time, the commands became familiar, and so did the trust.

Then came the steel target. Perrigo settled behind the rifle as Austin watched the image from the scope and talked him through the final adjustment. Perrigo squeezed the trigger. Ding. The sound carried across the range, followed by a smile from Perrigo. It was only a steel target, but it confirmed that the system they had built together could work. Now they had to take it hunting.

There was another step before Perrigo could head into the field. Idaho requires bear hunters to complete a mandatory bear identification exam, and Idaho Fish and Game officer George Fischer helped Perrigo complete the requirement. Fischer worked with Perrigo to make the identification process accessible despite his limited vision, adding another layer of support to the preparation that would eventually lead Perrigo back into the field.

In the canyon, the two watched and waited. Then a mature sow appeared. Austin watched the live feed from the TriggerCam as Perrigo settled into position. Together, they worked through the adjustments they had practiced countless times at the range. Then Austin gave Perrigo the words he had been waiting to hear: "The crosshairs are on the bear."

Perrigo pulled the trigger. The sow went down quickly, traveling only a short distance.

Later, Perrigo described the experience as unlike anything he had felt before. "It was the weirdest feeling that I've ever had," he said. "You're sitting there pulling the trigger on a gun, and you're hoping whoever's directing you directed you right and things come together." They did.