About
“Whether you say you can or say you can’t – you’re right.” While Henry Ford is credited with saying those words, Kalef Dile has lived them his entire life. Born without a left hand or forearm, Kalef learned at a very young age that the only limitations he has are those he allows himself to believe. After enjoying tremendous success as a youth athlete in multiple sports including football, marksmanship and jiu jitsu, Kalef discovered archery.
Like many things, the act of shooting a bow is a process that at first glance appears to require two hands and two arms. Many single arm archers, including Olympians have been successful using mouth tabs attached to the bow string. While powerfully biting the tab, an archer can extend his or her single arm while holding the riser [handle] of the bow bringing the bow to full draw. When ready to release the string and propel the arrow, an archer simply releases his or her teeth from the tab. A prior jaw injury prevents Kalef from having a strong enough bite to utilize this method for shooting his bow.
An avid outdoorsman, Kalef’s attraction to archery naturally led him to pursue bowhunting. The state of New Mexico allows for certain special accommodations for hunters who can prove a disability. There is no doubt, Kalef would have been approved to use a crossbow had he made the request. Rather than claim a disability though Kalef’s attitude is one that welcomes challenges which provide him an opportunity to prove his ability instead.
In September 2026 Kalef successfully harvested a mule deer buck on public land with one perfectly placed arrow shot from his vertical bow. In this episode of the Ahí Va Podcast, Kalef tells the story of that hunt and describes all the trials and tribulations he endured leading up to it. As host of the show, Jesse Deubel was truly inspired by this young man’s journey. You will be too. Enjoy the Listen!
For more info:
NMWF Website
Kalef Dile Instagram
Like many things, the act of shooting a bow is a process that at first glance appears to require two hands and two arms. Many single arm archers, including Olympians have been successful using mouth tabs attached to the bow string. While powerfully biting the tab, an archer can extend his or her single arm while holding the riser [handle] of the bow bringing the bow to full draw. When ready to release the string and propel the arrow, an archer simply releases his or her teeth from the tab. A prior jaw injury prevents Kalef from having a strong enough bite to utilize this method for shooting his bow.
An avid outdoorsman, Kalef’s attraction to archery naturally led him to pursue bowhunting. The state of New Mexico allows for certain special accommodations for hunters who can prove a disability. There is no doubt, Kalef would have been approved to use a crossbow had he made the request. Rather than claim a disability though Kalef’s attitude is one that welcomes challenges which provide him an opportunity to prove his ability instead.
In September 2026 Kalef successfully harvested a mule deer buck on public land with one perfectly placed arrow shot from his vertical bow. In this episode of the Ahí Va Podcast, Kalef tells the story of that hunt and describes all the trials and tribulations he endured leading up to it. As host of the show, Jesse Deubel was truly inspired by this young man’s journey. You will be too. Enjoy the Listen!
For more info:
NMWF Website
Kalef Dile Instagram