Hunt Journals 2026

Analiese Gaffey ‘s Story:

Analiese Gaffey is an exceptionally spunky and personable 24-year-old who was born and raised in Louisiana. She has lived in the same house in Leesville her entire life. Although her family is originally from Massachusetts, she is the first generation to grow up in the South—a result of her grandmother’s 20-year Army career.

An honor roll undergraduate, Analiese currently attends McNeese State University, where she is studying Animal Science. She plans to pursue a master’s degree after graduating next year.

Born with Spina Bifida and a bisected spinal cord, Analiese has endured numerous surgeries throughout her life. Despite these challenges, she has never slowed down. She began riding horses at the age of five and hasn’t stopped since. She credits horseback riding with helping strengthen her muscles and contributing to her ability to walk. Needless to say, horses are everything to her.

Her passion for horses extends far beyond riding. In addition to studying them academically, she enjoys collecting and cleaning bones and has even created a fully articulated horse leg.

In her not-so-spare spare time, Analiese manages a horse boarding facility and volunteers with the Lions Club as a summer camp arts and crafts teacher.

At 19, she took up hunting and was instantly hooked. Excited to share her new passion, she told her grandfather, who surprised her with a .308 rifle that Christmas. He always looked forward to hearing about her hunting adventures. Now, Analiese enjoys pursuing any game. While white-tailed deer are her usual quarry, she has been fortunate to hunt a variety of species including her first pronghorn in Wyoming. She enjoys spending time outdoors, taking advantage of public lands to hunt, fish, and camp, and absolutely fell in love with the West on that trip.

Analiese looks forward to returning for the NOW 2026 Hunt, where she can experience new places, meet new people, and take on new adventures. Her resilience, adventurous spirit, and passion for the outdoors make her an outstanding participant for this year’s Hunt.

“I like helping others and making them smile—it makes me smile,” she said.

Notable Traits: Determined, Driven, Lifelong Learner
Passion: HORSES, HORSES, HORSES
Activities: Collecting Bones, Painting, Traveling

Jay Fite’s Story:

Jay Fite was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, where he attended local schools and developed a competitive spirit at an early age. Baseball was a big part of Jay’s life, and he was a talented player who even had the opportunity to compete in Japan.

At 14, Jay discovered another lifelong passion when his father and grandfather introduced him to hunting and fishing. His grandfather, a Marine, taught him how to shoot and hunt, passing along skills and traditions that Jay continues to value today. Over the years, he has hunted pigs, deer, grouse, pheasant, and ducks, while also enjoying salmon and tuna fishing.

At 18, Jay moved to Truckee, where he spent six years working as a truck driver for Truckee Tahoe Lumber. In 1998, he returned to California’s Central Valley and became a branch manager for T.W. Smith Plumbing. While living in Gilroy, he also gave back to the sport he loved, coaching freshman baseball at the local high school from 2001 to 2003.

Jay’s career has taken him in several different directions. Among his experiences was working at Rinkor Arms in Santa Rosa as a gunsmith and arms buyer—an opportunity that combined his professional skills with his passion for firearms and shooting sports.

Jay has faced significant challenges with diabetes, which he was diagnosed with at age 28. Over the years, the disease has taken a serious toll, eventually resulting in a below-the-knee amputation on his left leg and a partial-foot amputation on his right. He also lives with kidney failure and undergoes dialysis. Although he can only wear his prosthetic for limited periods, he is able to use it while hunting and fishing.

Today, Jay uses a power chair and, when possible, borrows a friend’s track chair to get into the field. Rather than allowing these challenges to keep him from the outdoors, he continues to find ways to hunt and fish whenever the opportunity arises.

Jay eventually moved to Reno to be closer to his parents, who are both in their 80s. The family relies on one another, and being there to support his parents is important to him.
Family is a tremendous source of pride for Jay. He is the proud father of a 33-year-old daughter who has served in the U.S. Navy for five years and is stationed in San Diego. She was recently promoted to E-6. Jay is also the proud father of a 27-year-old son who recently became engaged. His son and fiancée live in Fernley, Nevada, where they both work at Tesla. Jay is also a grandfather of two and treasures his time with his family.

For Jay, hunting and fishing aren’t simply hobbies—they are a connection to his family, his past, and the outdoors he has loved since he was a teenager. His determination to continue pursuing those passions despite the obstacles in his way is a testament to his character.

Jay’s competitive spirit may have started on the baseball field, but it has carried throughout his life. Whether he’s hunting, fishing, working with firearms, or spending time with his family, he continues to find a way to do the things he loves.

Notable Traits: Determined, Competitive, Outdoorsman
Passion: Gun Collecting
Activities: Hunting and Fishing
Favorite Team: New York Mets
Fun Fact: A heck of a baseball player back in the day!

Jason Newby’s Story:

For Jason Newby, the outdoors has never been about limitations, it has always been about finding a way forward. Born in San Luis Obispo and raised in Atascadero, Jason’s determination was shaped early in life after a tractor accident at just two years old left him with limited use of his legs and dependent on a wheelchair. Despite the challenges, his family never treated him differently. He had chores just like his brother and sister, even mowing the lawn by tying his wheelchair to a self-propelled mower, helping instill the work ethic and resilience that continue to define him today.

After graduating from high school, Jason embarked on a career in the construction industry. He spent 13 years operating heavy equipment and has spent the last 13 years as a project manager and estimator. In 2008, he married his wife, Cortney, and together they share a passion for the outdoors, community involvement and their local Bible Church.

An avid shooter from a young age, Jason spends much of his free time at the local range shooting varmint rifle & black powder matches, trap and mentoring new shooters when possible. He serves as Vice President of the Santa Lucia Sportsmen’s Association while Cortney serves as the treasurer. The couple enjoys working together to promote safe shooting sports and outdoor recreation.

When he is not working or volunteering, Jason enjoys welding, mechanics, ATV riding, and helping others with projects. Although scoliosis has made ATV riding increasingly difficult, his passion for the outdoors remains as strong as ever. Hunting opportunities have been limited, particularly with California’s challenging requirements and terrain.

Selected for the Nevada Outdoorsmen in Wheelchairs 2026 Hunt, Jason is excited for an experience unlike anything available close to home. He looks forward to sharing the adventure with family and friends while inspiring others to face challenges of their own.

His philosophy is simple: “If there is a will, there is a way. Find a way to make it happen.”

Notable Traits: Hardworking, Always Willing to Help Others
Passions: Shooting Sports, Four-Wheeling/Off-Roading, the Great Outdoors, and Faith in Christ
Hobbies: Welding, Mechanics, and Building Projects for Friends and Family

Bob Pollara’s Story:

Robert “Bob” Pollara was born and raised in New Jersey, where he built an exceptional career as a periodontist, practicing for many years in Morristown. Later in his career, Bob discovered a new passion for teaching and joined the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine as an Assistant Professor of Periodontics. Before long, he found himself spending more time teaching than practicing—a role he truly loved until retiring five years ago.

An avid outdoorsman, Bob has spent much of his life hunting and fishing. His very first big game hunt was an unforgettable pronghorn antelope hunt near Cody, Wyoming, which sparked a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Over the years, he made it a tradition to take a big game hunt each year, pursuing elk, mule deer, moose, black bear, mountain lion, and other species. His adventures have taken him across North and South America, including memorable hunting trips to Bolivia, Argentina, and Uruguay.

A few years ago, Bob suffered a stroke that affected the use of his right arm and leg. While it has made getting around and hunting much more challenging, it has not diminished his love for the outdoors or his adventurous spirit.

Two years ago, Bob relocated to Reno to be closer to his son, Kyle, and his three grandchildren—two grandsons and a granddaughter. Family is now at the center of his life, and he treasures every opportunity to spend time with them.

The 2026 Now Hunt represents something truly special for Bob. For the first time since his stroke, he will have the opportunity to hunt again with the assistance and support of the organization—and, even more importantly, he will be able to share the experience with his son, Kyle. It is an opportunity he considers the hunt of a lifetime, and one for which he is deeply grateful.

If you spend a few minutes with Bob, you will quickly discover his favorite pastime: teasing just about everyone he meets. His quick wit and playful sense of humor are contagious, and he enjoys keeping family and friends laughing.

We are honored to welcome Bob to the NOW 2026 Hunt and cannot wait to see him back in the field, creating unforgettable memories.

Notable Traits: Likes to tease ANYONE and EVERYONE WHOLE LOT
Dream Hunt: Sharing the NOW 2026 Hunt with his son, Kyle
Favorite Activities: Spending time with the family

Maylie Harris’s Story:

Maylie is the daughter of Karlie and Ryan and a proud sister in a family of five children. Born in Provo, Utah, and raised in nearby Mapleton, she is a happy, energetic little girl who loves spending time with family and friends.

When Maylie was five years old, her parents began noticing some balance issues. While taking dance classes, her mom realized Maylie couldn’t stand on her toes like the other children and often struggled with coordination. After numerous medical appointments and testing, Maylie was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a rare and progressive disease that affects the nervous system, heart, and other parts of the body.

Despite the challenges that come with FA, Maylie’s spirit remains strong. Through dietary restrictions, and the daily obstacles of living with a rare disease, she has never lost her positive attitude. In fact, after her diagnosis, it was Maylie who comforted her parents.

“She is a special spirit,” says her mom, Karlie.

Maylie loves swimming, crafting, playing the piano, collecting squishy toys, and spending time with her friends and little brother. She also has a passion for the outdoors. She’s joined her family on mule rides on hunting trips and has already harvested two bucks of her own. When she’s not hunting, she enjoys practicing her marksmanship with an air gun.

The Nevada Outdoorsmen in Wheelchairs 2026 Hunt will be a special experience for Maylie. This time, she’ll have her very own tag and the opportunity to pursue her hunt just like everyone else—a dream she’s excited to make a reality.

Notable Traits: Trooper, Positive Attitude, Special Spirit
Passion: Swimming
Favorite Activities: Crafting, Playing Piano, Hunting, and Spending Time with Family and Friends

Casey Ishmael’s Story:

Casey Ishmael was born and raised in Utah, where he attended Woods Cross High School. After graduation, he spent many years working in industrial hydroblasting, high-pressure cleaning mining facilities, chemical refineries, and industrial processing plants.

In 2010, Casey married his amazing wife, Chelsie, and moved to Phoenix, AZ so Casey could pursue his passion for motorcycles. There he attended Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) where he was both Honda and BMW certified.

In 2012, Casey embarked on another adventure and began working for Nevada Gold Mines, and he and his family made their home in Spring Creek, Nevada. He is the proud father of three children, ages 13 to 22, and considers his family his greatest accomplishment.

In June 2025, Casey’s life changed in an instant after a motorcycle accident in Lamoille Canyon, Nevada. While rounding a blind corner, he encountered a stopped truck in the roadway and lost control while trying to avoid a collision. He suffered life-threatening injuries, including multiple back fractures, a fractured neck, and several broken ribs. Today, Casey is still learning how to navigate life with a spinal cord injury while remaining determined to keep doing the things he loves.

For 14 years, Casey worked as an autoclave process operator for Nevada Gold Mines and genuinely loved his career. He was very passionate about his work and says he would still be doing the job today if not for the accident.

Casey has hunted geese, deer, and elk for many years and is excited to be part of the Nevada Outdoorsmen in Wheelchairs 2026 Hunt. While nervous about what to expect, he is incredibly grateful for the opportunity. His goal is simple—to prove to himself that he is still capable of doing what he loves and to continue making great outdoor memories in this next chapter of life.

Notable Traits: Good Man, Loving Husband, Amazing Father
Passionate: Knife Collecting, Spending Time Outdoors, Shooting
Activities: Wood Carving, Laser Engraving, Bee Keeping, Too many to list them all..