Perry County boy bags 8-point buck as part of Dream Pursuit

PERRYVILLE, Mo., -- A Perry County teenager was able to bag an eight-point buck thanks to an organization that helps dreams come true.

Taylor Lohmann, 13, traveled Nov. 26 to Stone Creek Hunting Ranch in Edgar Springs, Mo., to deer hunt and came away with an eight-point mature Missouri Whitetail with the help of Dream Pursuit, a not-for-profit organization that provides hunting and fishing adventures to children and young adults 21 or younger who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

Taylor was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and Addison's disease in 2003, said Kelly Dean, Taylor's mother.

According to Dean, Taylor was "really happy" with this outcome.

Dean said her father's cousin was the one to call and ask if Taylor would like to participate in Dream Pursuit. She also said that Taylor was able to choose his adventure, to hunt instead of fish.

"He does more hunting," Dean said.

During deer season, Taylor goes hunting with his father and recently got a six-point buck. He also enjoys participating in other outdoor activities such as soccer, baseball, football and walking in the woods, Dean said.

Dean attributes her son's love for the outdoors to her love for them.

"We are kind of always outside," Dean said.

In addition to raising Taylor, his brother, Gaige, and sister, Alexa, Dean works and attends Jefferson College.

"Sometimes it's not easy," she said.

She said it's been "a big year" for Taylor.

In addition to the Dream Pursuit hunt, Taylor also was granted a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He and his family visited Florida and Walt Disney World over the summer. Two weeks later, they received the call from Dream Pursuit.

Dream Pursuit founder Rick Davis created the organization after losing a friend to a terminal illness. The organization partners with individuals, businesses, corporations, civic organizations, outfitters, manufacturers, guides, charter captains and taxidermists to raise its funds.