LITTLE SANDY CHAPTER HOSTED

2^ND ANNUAL ULTIMATE TEAM-UP HUNT

OCTOBER 12-14, 2007

By Glenn Ison, Event Coordinator - Little Sandy Chapter

The Little Sandy Chapter-NWTF hosted their 2^nd annual Ultimate Team-Up Hunt on the weekend of October 12-14, 2007.  We made a lot of new friends along with getting to see some of the friends we made last year.  The Camp Webb staff prepared wonderful meals all weekend.  Thank you Susan, Linda, Gary and Tommy; we appreciate all your hard work.  Papa John’s Pizza furnished dinner for everyone Saturday evening.

The chapter had prize drawings for the hunters that were donated by various businesses and almost enough fun to last until next year when we get to see everyone again.

There was a bonus to all this; 11 out of the 18 hunters harvested a deer.  Every hunter got to see deer and all the hunters had the opportunity to take a deer.  Thanks to the committee members that took the time and effort to set up the 24 blinds in places that afforded the hunters an opportunity to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

The Weekend hunt was an eye-opening event.  The disabled hunters that were in attendance, shed some insight to the rest of us that I wish everyone could experience.  The determination and drive these guys possess is truly amazing.  Their will to do the things on their own like they did before becoming disabled is a statement to their character.  Our chapter and the NWTF are proud to be a part of the Wheelin’ Sportsman program that puts these individuals in a position to make good memories that may, in some way, cast a shadow on the bad ones that are, no doubt, in the back of their minds.  We laughed, we cried, we felt the appreciation the hunters gave in over abundance.

If we could change anything about this weekend, it would only be one thing: more people showing up to lend a hand and sharing some of the blessings passed on to the people that were there.  Fore example, there were a couple of teenaged young ladies that showed up to help - just wanted to be a part of this event.  I don’t think there was a single person at this event that wasn’t in awe of these two young ladies.  Thanks, Bree and Chasidy!  Your hearts are amazing!

Our chapter would also like to thank each and every sponsor that made this event financially possible.  And, on that note, I would like to apologize to some of our sponsors.  Last year, we got caught up in all the planning and details of the event and overlooked mentioning some very important financial sponsors.  We also did the same this year.  We waited to the last minute to get the Sponsor Banner made and made a few mistakes.  Willard Milling was listed as Sexton Bros. Dog Food.  AA Firearms Unlimited was accidentally left off the banner (truly sorry, Doc and Cindy!)  Thanks to the Northeast Kentucky Chapter, Lawrence County Chapter and AEP for all your support - it was and is greatly appreciated! The hunters and the committee would like to also thank KDFWR for making this event possible.

In closing, I would like to have a couple of the hunters introduce themselves below and share their thoughts about the NWTF and its commitment to the Wheelin’ Sportsman Program.  Again, thank you to everyone who made this event another great success!

My name is Jeff Branham.  On October 13 and 14, my 12-year old son, Jacob, and I took part in a Wheelin’ Sportsman hunt at Camp Robert C. Webb in Grayson, KY.  This was the second year for this hunting event and Jacob and I have been fortunate enough to attend both years.

On May 14, 2003, my family was in an automobile accident involving a drunk driver.  Jacob, along with his older brother, sister and my wife received extensive injuries.  In time, Jacob’s brother, sister and mother recovered from their injuries, but Jacob’s brain injury left him unable to walk, talk or do any of the normal body functions he had before the wreck.  Over time, Jacob has gained limited use of his right arm and leg.

After the accident, I thought we would never be able to hunt together again. Then, in 2006, I came in contact with Glenn Ison from the Little Sandy Chapter of the NWTF.  After discussing the hunt they were planning, I filled out the applications and got Jacob signed up.  I didn’t know what to expect from the hunt or the people involved with it.  Everyone involved with the hunt was more than helpful and willing to do whatever was needed to make the hunt enjoyable for Jacob and all the other hunters there.

Jacob has harvested deer both years of the hunt. Words cannot express what the learning experience of the hunt has meant to me and my son.  I learned that not only can people with disabilities still enjoy the outdoors, but with the right equipment to fit an individual’s disabilities, it can be made a lot easier for them.  I am very grateful to the NWTF, Glenn Ison, the Little Sandy Chapter, all the staff and volunteers at Camp Robert C. Webb, and all the sponsors for their hard work, donations, the learning experience, and the special time spent with my son.  Thank you!

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My boyfriend and I went on a handicapped hunt at Camp Webb in Grayson, KY.  It was one of the greatest times that the have had since Terry’s accident.  We went on Friday night and stayed until Sunday.  On Friday, the Little Sandy Chapter had a social so everyone could meet and kind of get to know one another.  That was great because I didn’t know anyone and Terry doesn’t really like being around a lot of people, but I was really proud of him that night. 

On Saturday morning, we had breakfast and were matched up with a guide that would go to the blind and assist any way needed.  This was Terry’s first hunt since his accident, so the excitement was on.  He killed a big doe by 8:30 am, and radioed back to base camp for volunteers to pick up the deer.  These volunteers were amazing! 

The accommodations made the hunters feel as comfortable as if they were at home; blinds were set up for everyone, and the volunteers made sure that each hunter had a place to hunt according to their disability.  This was a dream come true for Terry because he was in an ATV accident 3-1/2 years ago and never thought he would ever hunt again.  He broke his neck and, even though he can now move a little, he can’t move his legs at all and has minimal use of his arms and hands.

DISABLED GET THEIR DAY OF FISHING

By Pat Cardin - Kentucky Regional Director

"This is just one of the reasons I'm so involved in this organization".  That was David Gibson, Vice President of the Heartland Chapter, referring to the outreach program "Wheelin' Sportsmen (WS).  The Heartland Chapter hosted their Catfish Roundup, a Wheelin' Sportsmen event that is set up to give people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, on June 9, 2007. 

This year's roundup was, again, held at Village Green Nursery, which as been the host lake for all three WS Catfish Roundups.  The lake is perfect with its access to help with the handicapped, plus no weeds around the lake, and it was large enough to handle the 75 attendees for this event.

This year, disabled participants numbered between 30 and 40, and almost another 40 volunteers were there to help some of the handicapped land fish, bait hooks and, in general, help them enjoy the day.  The fish that were caught were cleaned on the spot and around noontime, the entire group enjoyed a freshly fried catfish dinner.

The Heartland Chapter hires a fish hatchery to come in the day before and dump around 800 pounds of catfish, some weighing in around 4-pounds into the lake.  The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources reimburses the chapter for 75% of the cost of the stocking, so there are plenty of fish for the participants to catch.

On the lake banks, the very first year the event was held, was Jerry Clan.  Jerry had been disabled when he was working for a utility company when a pole Jerry had climbed up broke, paralyzing him from the waist down due to the fall.  Three years later, Clan is now the Heartland Chapter Treasurer and an active and valuable member of the chapter's committee.  "No matter what event we have planned, Jerry is always there ready to help", said David Gibson referring to Clan.  "He has turned out to be one of our best volunteers and doesn't let his disability stop him from taking on various tasks."

Lynn Shagool, a local physical therapist, became involved with the chapter when he learned of the Wheelin' Sportsmen program.  Shagool helps organize some of the rehab facilities who bring out patients each year to participate in this event.  "This is absolutely the greatest event for some of these people.  A few of them have never caught a fish in their life and are experiencing it for the first time.  There are participants out here today who are attending their third Catfish Roundup, and can't wait to get out here and enjoy the fishing, company and good food."

"We're more than just a hunting organization and could be considered a community organization with the various activities we participate in", stated Ken Adams, President of the Heartland Chapter.  Adams said along with the Wheelin' Sportsmen event, they also host a JAKES Day for the youth, give out frozen turkeys during the Thanksgiving holidays to needy families, help kids in the school system with donations to the National Archery In The Schools program and have donated money to the Red Cross.  Also, they are hosting a Wheelin' Sportsmen golf tournament on August 5, 2007, at Pine Valley Golf Resort to benefit the WS program.

"I've had people come up and thank me for what we do for the handicapped and disabled out here today", said Adams.  "They don't need to thank me or our chapter, we thank them for the opportunity we have to share a day like this and experience the smiles on their faces."

The Heartland Chapter would like to thank their event sponsors: Village Green Nursery, Kroger, Jim's Fruit Market, Cracker Barrel, Physical Therapy Associates, Rebecca Massey Associates, Fisher & Hinnant Prosthetics and Orthotics, Walmart of Elizabethtown, Flowrence Evans and all the volunteers who participated and helped with this event.''

BERNHEIM CHAPTER'S "ONE SHOT DOC"

WHEELIN' SPORTSMEN TRAP SHOOT & PICNIC!

By Eddie Orozco, President - Bernheim Chapter

The Bernheim Chapter and the Bullitt County 4-H Shooting Sports got together to have a one-day event to introduce some different outdoor sports to some of their Wheelin' Sportsmen members.  This event not only allowed participants to try fishing, trail walks, trap shooting, field walks, but also a family picnic.

The Bernheim Chapter would like to thank our sponsors and donors: Fern Valley Sportsman's Club, Knob Creek Gun Range, Quality Concrete & Rock, and Garry Roman.

Also, a very special thanks to the 4-H Shooting Sports and Bernheim Chapter members.  The chapter hopes to make this an annual event that was held in memory of Dr. Larry Williams "One Shot Doc", January 20, 1954 - June 9, 2007.