Tennessee Hunting Online Magazine

The chairman of a large West Tennessee-based charity hunt is on the road to recovery after a serious treestand accident last month.

Dave Norval, chairman of the Third Annual Hunting For a Cure, which is presented by the Sportsman's Warehouse and benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, suffered a broken back during a fall on November 11.

According to the Hunting For a Cure website, Norval fell from a ladder stand while he was in the process of moving it, breaking his back in three places. He remained hospitalized at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis until yesterday, when he was released to return home.


		What TN hunters are saying about Dave's accident "Super Dave lives up to his name...he cares deeply for the sport of turkey hunting and the kids...please pray for him and his family during this trying time" TnGobbler — TnHunting.Com Forums "Man these tree stands are getting rough on people I hope he gets better soon" TnOutdoors— TnHunting.Com Forums

An e-mail from Dr. Cliff Higgins, a dentist from Arkansas who is a close friend of Norval's and is also involved with Hunting For a Cure, was posted on the TnTurkey.Com discussion forums Friday afternoon. According to Dr. Higgins' email, Norval's condition was worse than originally thought — with a large amount of damage to his vertebrae — and doctors are still unable to make a full eveluation due to swelling around the spinal column. But, he said, "His spirits are good and he is leaning on the Lord."

Higgins wrote, "I told him that there are a lot of people praying for him. I am praying for miraculous healing for Dave. My prayer is that in four weeks the doctors will look at his MRI results and their chins will hit the floor at the amount of healing that has occurred and that he won't need surgery. If that would be the case, considering the shape Dave is in right now, all the medical staff would be able to do is give God the glory for healing him. Dave inspired me with what he told me over the phone this morning. He said, 'God can use this situation for his glory,' and he is right! Let's pray for a miraculous touch from God's healing hand for Dave."

Norval, who is chief guide at Indian Creek Outfitters near Savannah, and manages the property, has worked tirelessly to help grow the Hunting For a Cure effort. Started in 2005, when 15 children participated and $3,400 was raised for St. Jude, the effort has quickly grown. The third annual hunt, set for March 24-25, has seen more than 75,000 acres of private hunting land donated for the event, with 75 outdoors companies donating products, guides or funds for the event, including the likes of Hunter Specialties, Primos, Mossy Oak and Team Realtree.