Hats off to the Mississippi State and Greater Jackson chapters. On Nov. 8, they held the 4th annual deer hunt for youth with disabilities in Pearl. The event was co-sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, Primos and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. More than 70 disabled kids teamed up with local landowners for an action-packed weekend that included hunting, field activities at Bass Pro Shops, and a fundraising banquet to raise money and awareness in the local community for the Wheelin’ Sportsmen program. The combination of local and state chapter efforts, plus an outpouring of community support, proved once again that the more, the merrier when it comes to planning Wheelin’ events. 
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Illana Burkhart Wheelin' Sportsmen Coordinator |
A Network of Opportunity
NWTF volunteers have a huge heart when it comes to helping our nation’s disabled veterans. For the past two years, Wheelin’ Sportsmen has fostered a formal agreement with Disabled American Veterans that pledges NWTF support for getting disabled servicemen and women afield. Our chapters’ involvement goes beyond this one partnership, however. When it comes to helping men and women in uniform, NWTF chapters have long been eager to help.
This past spring, two disabled soldiers from the Ft. Campbell, Ky., Warrior Transition Battalion were treated to a surprise hunting “vacation.” They were told that they were selected to go on an opening day turkey hunt in the Nashville area. Little did they know what was in store for them when they arrived in Music City.
The Tennessee State Chapter joined forces with Gaylord Entertainment to provide two lucky soldiers with a first-class hunt, and Gaylord pulled out all the stops to wine and dine the soldiers and their families. You can read more about their entire experience on page 90.
Even with the red carpet treatment (literally!) and amazing amenities Gaylord and the Tennessee Chapter provided the two soldiers, the most valuable thing the veterans at this hunt received was a Wheelin’ Sportsmen membership. The memories from their weekend in Nashville may last a lifetime, but a membership will bring their hunting career back to life every time they receive a magazine or get an invitation to another Wheelin’ event.
By becoming a member, participants not only help grow the program but they stay connected to a community of outdoors enthusiasts. Wheelin’ Sportsmen events are many times hunting and fishing trips at premiere locations across the country — places someone without a disability would pay top dollar for. Every member is eligible to attend Wheelin’ events nationwide, for just the price of an annual membership.
One of our hopes for Wheelin’ Sportsmen events is that participants gain a sense of independence and learn to stay active in the outdoors on their own after they leave. We would like our events to be the backbone of the program, but also to serve as a launching ground for participants to explore new possibilities. — Illana