An Exceptional Warrior in the field at the Mobility Impaired Manged Deer Hunt
“I had the pleasure of attending the Mobility Impaired Managed Deer Hunt and had an absolute amazing experience. Kimberly Houf with the Department of the Interior put together an event that touched the lives of veterans and volunteers alike. I bonded with other veterans and was welcomed by a community that made us all feel right at home. Not only were we having a great time bonding and hunting but Kim explained to us about the ecology of the park and how we were helping with a deer overpopulation problem in the area. Despite suffering from paralysis in all four limbs I was supplied everything I needed to get out in the forests and experience nature. It was the first time in ten years that I actually got out into the woods and escaped the confines of my tradition power wheelchair. The hunting blind I was assigned to was in a beautiful location on a wilderness trail. After I harvested a deer Kim and her team of volunteers took care of everything so that I could transport the meat home and enjoy a packed freezer this winter. Since experiencing the Mobility Impaired Managed Deer Hunt The Few has given me the opportunity to participate in more events and volunteer. Not only have I had an amazing time but I have had a positive impact on the lives of other veterans thanks to The FEW.” Thank you, Shane
About the hunt and people behind the event:
WAPPAPELLO, Mo. – Deer season is an exciting time for Missouri hunters. But for those who are mobility impaired, it can be a frustrating time when it’s difficult – or sometimes impossible – to participate in the hunt. This is why the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the Army Corps of Engineers and the National Wild Turkey Federation work together to host the annual mobility impaired managed deer hunt at Wappapello.
Of this year’s 19 participants, 15 hunters successfully harvested a deer this past weekend. In order to be selected for the hunt, hunters must be mobility impaired, requiring the aid of braces, crutches, or a wheelchair to be mobile.
“We’re pleased that so many of our hunters were able to experience the harvest,” said Meagan Duffee-Yates, MDCwildlife biologist assistant.