Event gives mobility-impaired chance to hunt

A disability does not have to keep hunters from participating in the sport they love. Thanks to organizer Eric Lemons and his Wheelin' Sportsmen event, those who are mobility-impaired have an opportunity to bag a deer and bring meat to their families and freezers. He receives help from Jackie Rowe, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Missouri Corps of Engineers and others.

Rowe, a hunting enthusiast himself, helps by shuttling mobility-impaired participants from the lodge to their blinds, which allows those with injuries to get out in the woods and participate. The program began approximately 15 years ago and has grown over time.

"This is the biggest year we've had so far," Lemons told the Southeast Missourian. "Last year we had 19 hunters and 15 deer harvested." This year, 25 participated in the hunt that encompassed "thousands of acres of forests."

In fact, interest is so high now, they have to use a lottery system to narrow down the applicants from throughout Missouri. It's free, and the only criteria is mobility-impairment. Some of this year's hunters had wheelchairs and canes, for example.

As someone who loves being out there stalking deer and hunting with his own family, why would Rowe get involved in driving others as they hunt? For Rowe, the point is to give them an experience they would otherwise not be able to have. So Rowe could spend his time participating in one of his favorite pastimes, but instead, he takes time to give others that same opportunity. Kudos to him.

This, of course, is not a one-man operation. The National Guard facility is offered as the event headquarters, and volunteers are present, awaiting the call that announces a deer has been shot. Those volunteers are equipped with camp chairs and coffee -- and smiles and congratulations.

Accolades for the first successful shot this year went to Charles Galbraith, Jr., who participated for the first time. Here is someone who had hunted since he was a teenager, until an accident six years ago sidelined him. Not anymore. This year, he got the first prize! Eric Limanen of the Corps of Engineers, another helpful hand in this amazing event, cleaned and skinned it.

Wheelin' Sportsmen has put a smile on many a hunter's face -- not to mention jerky in their bellies -- and it has only begun. There's an old saying that "it doesn't get any better than this," but Lemons would disagree. Their "goal is to grow and get better every year," he said.

Those interested in an opportunity to participate should call (573) 222-8562.