EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The NWTF Oregon Coastal Cutters Chapter recently hosted a life-changing Wheelin’ Sportsmen event, assisting four disabled veterans with an unforgettable opportunity to harvest a spring turkey in Oregon. The event, more than just a hunt, was a celebration of resilience, sacrifice and the deep connections forged in wild places.
The NWTF’s Wheelin’ Sportsmen program, launched in 2000, is designed to provide opportunities to get outdoors to individuals with injuries, mobility impairments or those requiring extra assistance. The chapter brought together volunteers, nonprofit partners and outdoor professionals to give back to those who served.
“With the help of Dave Sayler and The Fallen Outdoors nonprofit, we randomly selected four disabled veteran applicants to participate in our event,” said John Cooper, NWTF Coastal Cutters Chapter president. “As a thank you for their service and sacrifice, these four disabled veterans were gifted a no expense turkey hunt with mobility accommodations.”
Key to the event’s success were the local guides who generously volunteered their time and expertise. The chapter extended a heartfelt thanks to Paul Mertens of Hands On Guide Services (HOGS), Cole Abraham of WinchesterBayCharters.com, Chris McCloskey and Brylee Anderson — each of whom guided one of the veterans at no charge.
To meet the unique mobility needs of the hunters, the chapter partnered with David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems, a nonprofit that offers access to off-road track wheelchairs. Founded in honor of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) warrior David Hartrick, who continued hunting and fishing thanks to these specialized chairs, the organization empowers individuals with mobility impairments to experience freedom and independence in the outdoors. Through their support, the veterans were able to use the all-terrain mobility chairs free of charge.
On the morning of April 26, volunteers, guides and hunters traveling from Oregon, Washington and Idaho gathered for introductions, headed to their hunting locations with their assigned guide, and got situated in their blinds for the morning hunt.
“In typical turkey hunting fashion, some of the birds cooperated and some did not,” Cooper said. “When the dust settled, two of our four hunters had successfully punched their tags by harvesting very respectable toms.”
Recognizing the time, travel and personal investment the veterans made, especially those from out of state, the chapter extended the opportunity for a second day of hunting. Two of the veterans accepted the offer and stayed on.
With hunting done for the day, as an additional bonus, they turned their attention to fishing for striped bass before getting rest for the next morning’s hunt. Both veterans who stayed to hunt and fish were also able to catch their first stripers that evening.
As the sun rose on the next morning, the veterans and guides were back out in the blinds ready for what the day would bring.
“The birds were very vocal, but hung up, and were slow to commit to coming in,” Cooper said. “That being said, after working them hard with calls, when three of them did come in, our jake decoy took a beating. We almost got a chance at all three birds, but when the birds started to get leery, we made sure our disabled veterans got priority to get their shots off. The result was a countdown shot double with two really nice toms.”
The event was more than just a good time — it was a reminder of the healing power of the outdoors and the strength of the human spirit. For retired fighter pilot Tim Ebner, the weekend offered more than just a chance to hunt; it offered perspective, connection and deep gratitude.
“This weekend was unbelievable, and I will forever be humbled by the generosity of all those involved,” Ebner said. “Our guides gave up time with their families and paying clients to take us out for two days, and I am forever in debt to them. Made great memories and?friendships to last a lifetime. Thank you so much to all those involved and look forward to hanging out with you again. A special thanks to the NWTF and The Fallen Outdoors.”
The weekend also lit a new spark for Brandon Billow, a military and law enforcement K-9 trainer. Inspired by the experience, Billow joined the NWTF’s Gem State Chapter in Idaho.
“What an amazing weekend and group of guys,” Billow said. “I’ve been pretty down in the dumps with my knee and leg situation for the last couple of months, limiting me on everything I love to do and to just simply walk and carry out daily routine things. I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity I had this weekend. Thank you guys for everything. My spirits are back up and ready to tackle the rest of this recovery.”
Events like this are emblematic of the NWTF’s Wheelin’ program.
“After wanting to do an event like this for several years and finally getting it all put together, I was so happy and relieved that we were so successful for this great group of men who had served and sacrificed so much for our freedom,” Cooper reflected. “I can’t thank our partners and everyone who was involved with making this happen enough.”
As the sun set on a weekend filled with connection, personal triumph and giving back, it was clear this was more than a hunt. It was a reminder of what’s possible when people come together in service of something greater and how the outdoors has the power to change lives.
“This was one of the funnest events I have ever been a part of, and the camaraderie we shared this weekend was awesome,” said Cooper. “Stories were told, memories were made, and we had a ton of laughs. I’m thankful for these new friendships made and I look forward to sharing more adventures with these guys in the future.”
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 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
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