Unique turkey hunt empowers outdoors enthusiasts with disabilities

BLUE ROCK, OH- The Y-Bridge Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation partnered with the Ohio Division of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife and Division of Forestry to sponsor the 17th Annual Gary Finnicum Memorial Wheelin’ Sportsmen Spring Turkey Hunt.

The event serves as a way to help disabled sportsmen in Ohio by providing them with a support system, information, utility vehicles and access to adaptive equipment for a successful turkey hunt.

“It’s for the disabled, and for some of these guys it might be the only time they get to actually go out and enjoy the woods,” Patrick Burkhart, Y-Bridge Longbeards president said.

Those who have attended the event note that they love the lasting friendships they have made.

“We hunt for two days, daylight until noon Saturday and Sunday, everyone met here Friday to just look at the area, later on here we’ll eat and then we do have some prizes and awards that we give out to all of the hunters and the guides that help,” Burkhart said.

If you are interested in helping out or attending next year’s event, please visit Y-Bridge Longbeards Chapter of NWTF on Facebook.