04/20/2010
No Limits: Wheelin' Sportsmen Enjoy Successful Hunt
 Robin Clark, the NWTF's Virginia State Chapter president, traveled more than six hours to participate in the 2010 Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF/SRS Ultimate Turkey Hunt. |
NEW ELLENTON, S.C.— As the sun rose above the pine trees at the United States Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS), 25 hunters sat quietly, hoping to see their favorite dance - the wonderful waltz of a strutting wild turkey gobbler.
These hunters were part of the National Wild Turkey Federation's Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF outreach program, which serves outdoor enthusiasts with disabilities. The lucky mobility impaired hunters teamed with SRS and United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service-Savannah River (USFS-SR) employees April 16 and April 17 for the Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF/SRS Ultimate Turkey Hunt.
Located in Aiken County, S.C., SRS has hosted the event with the USFS-SR annually since 2004. The smiling hunters set a new record by harvesting 42 gobblers that were coaxed into range by the skillful turkey calling of the SRS and USFS-SR guides.
"The SRS property is unbelievable. There are plenty of turkeys which makes for a great hunt," said Robin Clark, hunt participant and the NWTF's Virginia State Chapter president. "When we're at this hunt with other hunters with disabilities, we get opportunities to share ideas and look at new adaptive equipment that can help us hunt. Many people don't realize how many useful tools are out there to help people with disabilities enjoy the great outdoors but that's what the Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF program is here for."
Friday evening's festivities included a social event for participants and guides that featured an auction and gun raffle to raise money for Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF.
"Sharing our love for the outdoors with others is what Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF is all about," said Illana Burkhart, Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF program coordinator. "This event is successful because our partners and volunteers are so generous with their time and efforts. Their hard work makes the hunt so enjoyable for the hunters."
 Twenty-five hunters participated in the 2010 Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF/SRS Ultimate Turkey Hunt April 16 and April 17 in New Ellenton, S.C. Thanks to helpful volunteers and guides, the hunters harvested 42 gobblers during the hunt. |
Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF provides all people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy the outdoors through local NWTF chapter events nationwide. Whether it is shooting, hunting, fishing or archery, there is no limit to the outdoor opportunities Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF can bring to a person with disabilities who is eager to get outside and participate in an active lifestyle.
Other partners for the Wheelin' Sportsmen Ultimate Turkey Hunt included Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the Aiken Sertoma Club and Wackenhut Services Incorporated, LLC.
