EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Maryland’s NWTF South Mountain Chapter hosted its inaugural Wheelin’ Sportsmen Goose Hunt at the end of February after an inspiring conversation between volunteers at the annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tennessee.
Prior to the gathering in Nashville, volunteers from the South Mountain Chapter were already brainstorming about how to launch a Wheelin’ Sportsmen program at its local banquet in January. Malcom Whyte, NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen coordinator for the state of Maryland, and Chase Tarman, who recently began using a wheelchair attended South Mountain’s banquet, where they were able to connect with chapter president, Corey Brigham, and talk about starting a new Wheelin’ Sportsmen hunt.
While attending the convention in Nashville, Brigham built on that momentum by connecting with NWTF Education and Outreach staff and fellow NWTF volunteers hosting similar events across the country. Inspired by those conversations, Brigham returned home and started building wheelchair-accessible goose blinds that his chapter could use to launch its first ever Wheelin’ Sportsmen Goose Hunt.
“Hosting our first Wheelin’ Sportsmen hunt is something I’m incredibly proud of,” Brigham said. “Seeing these hunters back in the field sharing the camaraderie and tradition we all love is what the program is all about. We built a custom 24-foot handicap-accessible flip-top goose blind specifically for this hunt to make sure everyone could participate comfortably. I’m extremely thankful for all the volunteers, landowners and supporters who helped make it possible.”
In a matter of weeks, Brigham built two A-frame blinds and got permission to hunt on a private landowner’s pond with the help of volunteers Terry Jacobs, John Phelps and Jon Cornell. The chapter invited three hunters out for the day, and by the end of the month, they were in the field.
On the day of the hunt, Brigham drove participants to the blinds in a side-by-side with a trailer attachment because of how muddy it was. For hunters who haven’t had this opportunity in years, it was a meaningful experience. The group harvested three geese.
Whyte hadn’t shot a goose in years, so it was exciting for him to participate in this hunt.
Now that the blinds are built, the chapter is aiming to host another Wheelin’ Sportsmen hunt in the future and plans to use the blinds for future JAKES events, too.
“It is so exciting to see this much energy from a new chapter to host outreach events that get new hunters out, furthering our mission,” said Ray Smith, NWTF regional director. “While our organization is founded in tradition and heritage, it is equally important for us to support the next generation starting their own. South Mountain has lots of passion, and they are a shining example of the next generation of conservation leaders.”
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 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to deliver healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues to unite a nation through the life-changing power of the outdoors.
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