Photo courtesy of Michael G. Brown of MGB Photography
|
Photo courtesy of Michael G. Brown of MGB Photography
Contact David Gladkowski at (803) 637-7649 or dgladkowski@nwtf.net
Annual South Dakota NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen Hunt Celebrates 20th Year
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — A mixture of laughter and shotguns firing could be heard ringing across the Sioux River Wildlife hunting preserve near Flandreau, South Dakota, as a record-breaking 30 hunters participated in the South Dakota NWTF State Chapter's annual Wheelin' Sportsmen event, held for the 20th year this year.
The Wheelin' Sportsmen program began in October 2000, as the NWTF recognized the need to help people with mobility impairments enjoy the outdoors through hunting and shooting events. Wheelin' Sportsmen events provide participants an opportunity they may not be able to have on their own due to the lack of hunting land access, knowledge of how to return to the field after an injury or lack of necessary assistance.
This year's event was a powerful demonstration of the life-changing power of the outdoors, as hunters did not let mobility impairments prevent them from chasing pheasants across the Sioux River Wildlife's native prairies, food plots, shelterbelts and bluffs along the Big Sioux River. In addition to the hunters, 34 volunteers helped orchestrate the event, including about 10 dog owners who helped to work the fields, moving the birds towards the hunters. Altogether, there were 86 birds harvested.
Photo courtesy of Michael G. Brown of MGB Photography
The success of the event was made possible through the South Dakota NWTF State Chapter and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, as well as Sioux River Wildlife owners Tad and Kathy Jacobs, who have hosted this event at their preserve since 2014.
"I think many of us share what we have heard many times, that this is the 'highlight of his year,'" Tad said. "NWTF, at its core, is a service organization dedicated to the survival of the wild turkey. What is equally important is the organization's commitment to men, women and youth to create opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors. This includes hunting for sure, but so much more, including education, fellowship and opportunity. What I hear from the hunters and the volunteers at the hunt is not just [about] the hunt itself but the annual gathering of 'the family.' Providing hunting opportunities for those who can't easily access them is what we are about. What I enjoy most are the smiles, laughter and conversations around the tables. Watching the dogs and the birds flying across our beautiful South Dakota countryside...Well, it doesn't get much better! It all doesn't happen without support from all the volunteers; South Dakota NWTF; South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks; and financial sponsorship."
A lunch, a banquet dinner and a silent auction were also part of the day's festivities.
Local and state NWTF chapters host thousands of similar events nationwide each year through the organization's Education and Outreach programs.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
National Wild Turkey Federation
PO Box 530
Edgefield South Carolina 29824
United States