Teenager Granted Hunting Trip as Wish Fails to Bag Alaska Bear

FRIDLEY, Minn. —  A teenager whose charity-funded hunting trip angered animal-rights activists failed to kill a bear in Alaska, a leader of the Make-A-Wish Foundation said.

The hunting part of 17-year-old Erik Ness’ trip ended over the weekend and he is enjoying fishing and sightseeing with his family, said Karla Blomberg, president of the foundation’s Minnesota chapter.

“What we’ve been told is that Erik had a wonderful time,” Blomberg said. “He was so taken with Alaska itself. . . . Certainly there was disappointment that he didn’t get a bear, but our concern is that Erik enjoyed himself and we look forward to talking to him.”

The chapter granted a $4,000 Alaskan hunting trip in January to Erik, who had a brain tumor removed last fall. When the family from a St. Paul suburb was subjected to protests, national Make-A-Wish officials decided to send Erik’s mother, Diane, and younger sister Alicia on a surprise visit to join him after the hunt, Blomberg said.

“This has been very sad for us,” said Blomberg, whose staff consists mostly of volunteers. “Our position is that we’re here to fulfill our mission, which is to grant the special wish of a child. We’re not the Politically Correct Make-A-Wish Foundation.”

The foundation, which has aided thousands of children with life-threatening illnesses, said it will review its policies on wishes that involve hunting.