Higgys Stand – by Don Higgins
Standing Up for Whats Right, Standing Up for a Good Man
Most of the time when I sit down to write this column I am stuck trying to come up with a subject to write about. That is certainly not the case this month as I had at least 2 topics that I wanted to cover. Then along came something unexpected that jumped to the top of the list; something that needs addressed sooner rather than later.
Back in March I was manning my booth at the Ohio Deer & Turkey Classic when I had 2 fellow deer farmers stop by to visit and each shared some information that I found almost unbelievable. Both of these well-meaning men told me that they had heard that John Yoder had been arrested on charges concerning his deer. At least one of these guys relayed a story that John was arrested for “not properly caring for his deer” and when the arrest was made John had lunged at the arresting officers and was then thrown to the ground and handcuffed. I immediately told each of these gentlemen that I did not believe it and there had to be more to the story, if there was any truth to it at all. They each agreed. The John Yoder that I know gives his animals the very best care possible and is not the least bit prone to violence.
I wanted badly to call John and get to the bottom of things but at the same time I respect his privacy and didn’t want to pry into things that are none of my business. For more than 2 weeks after hearing of this I thought of John and his situation almost daily. Then I got a call from Johns son Faron concerning another matter. I took the opportunity to as respectfully as possible, inquire about John and his situation. More than anything I wanted to express my support.
Faron was kind enough to share the truth behind this story and also talked to John and got his blessing for me to write this column. Just as I expected, there was a lot more to the story than simply John being arrested for not taking proper care of his deer and he in no way did anything to provoke the physical abuse inflicted on him by the arresting officers. I don’t believe it is my place to report the details of what actually transpired. I was not present when it happened and the matter is still in the court system as I write this. From what I have been told, at least one of the officers involved allegedly has a history of harassing Amish folks in general and deer farmers in particular. Again, the John Yoder that I know would never provoke two uniformed officers to throw him to the ground. Maybe someday John will tell us his story in his own way. Until then I will just continue to believe in him and support him.
There is probably nobody that can understand what John is going through better than I can. I have been in a similar situation; falsely accused and the subject of untrue rumors. Those who know me are well aware of my lifelong passion for bowhunting mature wild whitetail bucks. I live and breath monster whitetails and have been fortunate enough to make a career out of it. On December 1, 2004 my dream came true when I arrowed a world-class buck scoring 214”. My celebration was short lived when the next day an Illinois DNR conservation officer showed up at my home and confiscated my buck. The rumors in my area and in the hunting community began to build. Hardly a day went by when I wasn’t explaining away another untrue version of why my buck had been taken by a law enforcement officer. Eventually I did get my buck back but I had to endure all sorts of rumors and the embarrassment of being accused of something of which I was innocent. This event was the driving force behind my book, “Hunting Trophy Whitetails in the Real World” where in one chapter I detailed the events surrounding my situation and practically begged the Illinois DNR or anyone associated with my situation to sue me. I wasn’t going to let the public believe false rumors so I put my story out and challenged anyone to contest it. I have the truth on my side so I don’t ever expect that to happen. Yes, I can say that probably nobody can sympathize with John Yoder more than I can. I have been there.
The one thing that helped me keep my sanity during my situation was the support from those who believed in me. Anyone who knows me well knows that strong hunting ethics are part of my spirit. Trying to tell these folks that I did something illegal in the taking of a deer is paramount to telling me that John Yoder attacked a law enforcement officer. I came through my ordeal a stronger and better person. While I witnessed the worst in some people I also saw the very best in others. My hope for John is that he now gets to see the best in his fellow deer farmers.
The thing that John needs now is support. In his own mind he surely knows that he did nothing wrong. Without a doubt, his faith in God will see him through. The support he gets from us will let him know that we believe in him also. The court system of man is sometimes flawed but the final judgment from God will be righteous. Let’s not confuse the two. John is an honorable man who has brought integrity to our industry. Remember, it could have easily been any one of us whom these officers chose to harass. Let’s rally behind John so that it is clear that we stand together, united as an industry to support what is right. Take a moment to send a note of encouragement to John Yoder, 6860 S. SR 5, Topeka, IN 46571.
Don Higgins can be contacted at Rt 1 Box 271, Gays, Illinois 61928 or by email at don@higginsoutdoors.com . His website is www.higginsoutdoors.com
