Greenville News - Scott Keepfer
It's difficult to discern who is better known - Hank "The Fisherman" Parker or Hank "The Hunter" Parker.

There is plenty of evidence on both counts. Hank The Fisherman was on the cutting edge of pro bass fishing's boom in the 1970s and 80s, and claimed Bassmaster Classic titles in 1979 and 1989.

Hank The Hunter is the big game chaser who gained notoriety on his popular Outdoors television program, Hank Parker 3D, that has aired since 1985.

But in light of recent developments, he may henceforth be known as Big-Hearted Hank.

"Anytime you talk to me about kids and kids that are having a hard time, I have a very soft spot for that," Parker said.

That was plain to see a couple of weeks ago as Parker made the trek down from his home near Union to spend a day hunting with youngsters on behalf of the Outdoor Dream Foundation. Parker has emerged as an avid supporter of the Anderson-based, non-profit organization, which provides hunting and fishing experiences for young people who have been diagnosed with terminal or life-threatening illnesses.

Parker joined Deric Hanna of Abbeville, Quentin Currence of Clover, Tyler Vickery of Anderson and Cory Watt of Starr for a morning of duck hunting at Riverhouse Plantation nýþear Anderson. They bagged plenty of birds, to be sure, with Parker's video cameras rolling all the while, but the best moments came in the hunt's aftermath.

That's when Parker and his oldest son, Hank Jr. - a former Busch Series stock car driver - regaled the assemblage with plenty of jokes and anecdotes over a breakfast spread provided by hosts Gary and Helen Alexander. Then the Parkers helped present Hanna with the mounted trophy elk that he bagged last September while on a New Mexico hunt with Parker's youngest son, Billy. Parker filmed that hunt, too.

"I've watched that show three times, and I've cried every time," Parker said.

Ah, that Big-Hearted Hank again.

"We have taped four Outdoor Dream hunts now, and just to be around these kids and all the people who help with the organization, it's a real privilege to be in that fraternity," Parker said. "There are a lot of tear-jerking moments, but it's a real rewarding opportunity to be able to give back just a little bit."

Parker obviously has enjoyed his share of special moments afield, be he winning a major bass tournament or drawing a bead on a trophy buck, but those moments have taken a back seat to what he's witnessed since.

Last fall Parker accompanied young John Bishop, who had spent the previous 2 years battling bone cancer, on a hunt for Roosevelt elk in Oregon. Bishop, of Evans, Ga., wound up shooting a record-book elk, but it might as well have been Parker squeezing the trigger.

"It was 10 times more suspenseful and thrilling than if I had done it myself," Parker said. "I was 50 yards away and all I had was a video camera, but I was aiming for him, I was shooting for him. And when that big elk piled up and hit the ground I was was more excited than anybody. Then to go up there and see him (Bishop) shaking and be with him...it was a special moment."

Parker, who also serves as spokesperson for Outdoors Without Limits, an organization that helps disabled people of all ages experience outdoor activities, has already aired two Outdoor Dream hunts on his program, and more are in the works. He's convinced that taking youngsters who are battling to overcome medical woes into the great outdoors is "the best medicine." And he's convinced that sharing their stories with viewers may encourage others to become active participants.

"If you can show that to the rest of the world, then that may inspire other people within their community to take a kid that is in a similar situation hunting or fishing," Parker said. "I like the opportunity to televise it because I think it is very worthy. I think it helps people understand..."

Ah, that Big-Hearted Hank again.