20th Annual South Dakota Wheelin’ Sportsmen Hunt
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.
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, 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.