 |
| Al Dager (center), a champion waterfowl caller, volunteers his time for the hunt. Three temporary waterfowl blinds designed to allow those inside to shoot from a sitting position were placed along fields the previous day. Photo: Steve Farrell, USFWS |
"Wheelin' " onto the Refuges
"Self-Esteem is Back" (December 11, 2003)
"We made a different in people's lives," said Bombay Hook Refuge (DE) Manager Terry Villanueva as she discussed the five disabled hunters who enjoyed a too-rare opportunity to hunt waterfowl when the refuge held a special hunt December 11, 2003.
The event, the second in a series of four planned for the Refuge System's Centennial year as part of a groundbreaking partnership between the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Wild Turkey Federation's Wheelin' Sportsmen program for disabled sports enthusiasts.
Hunters began the day with a 4 a.m. breakfast at Bombay Hook Refuge and an official welcome. Three temporary waterfowl blinds designed to allow those inside to shoot from a sitting position were placed along fields the previous day. The existing wheel-chair accessible blind in the refuge goose hunting was also used. Each blind was equipped with a radio or cell phone in case of emergency. Because torrential rains swept the area the night before, plywood was laid down to keep wheelchairs from sinking into the mud.
Al Dager, a champion waterfowl caller, was one the volunteers who came with their own decoys to work with the hunters until about noon. The visitors saw as many as 100,000 snow geese, Canada geese and ducks that feed and rest on the refuge during the winter months.
"It was an unforgettable experience," echoed Wayne Carter executive director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Delaware-Maryland chapter and a veteran hunter. "Events like this renew people's self-esteem. The world comes alive when you get out into the woods, sit in a marsh to see the sun rise and have the camaraderie of others who are in wheelchairs."
 |
| Rick
VanVorst, left, brought his 71-year-old father to the hunt.
Three temporary waterfowl blinds designed to allow those
inside to shoot from a sitting position. |
Dave Timberman, a quadriplegic and treasurer of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Delaware-Maryland chapter, was armed with a shotgun that had been modified to allow the trigger to be pulled with his knuckles. For Ron Hoskins, it was his first waterfowl hunt. He bagged a deer two weeks earlier at Prime Hook Refuge (DE). One hunter, a 35-year-old confined to a wheelchair since an accident two years ago, came with his 71-year-old father for their first time hunting waterfowl together. (his father did not hunt)
"This program offers a fabulous opportunity for people with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors," said Kirk Thomas, national coordinator for the Wheelin' Sportsmen program. "When you can do that in a pristine setting like the Bombay Hook refuge, you create memories that last a lifetime." The first hunt under the partnership was held at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (MI) in November 2003.
"I was completely impressed," concluded Wayne Carter. "I'm ready to come back next year!"
The Wheelin' Sportsman program provides activities for disabled individuals to enjoy the outdoors. Events can be tailored to the opportunities available at each location including hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and photography. Refuges interested in hosting an event should contact Martha Nudel, Division of Visitor Services & Communications, National Wildlife Refuge System, 703-358-1858.
|
