April 16, 2007

BLUE ROCK STATE FOREST HOSTS SPECIAL HUNT FOR THE DISABLED

COLUMBUS, OH - Fourteen disabled hunters participated in a special hunt for wild turkeys at Blue Rock State Forest in Muskingum County on Saturday, April 14.

“This pre-season hunt provided an opportunity for disabled hunters to participate in a guided hunt,” said David Lytle, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Blue Rock State Forest provides an excellent venue for hunting wild turkeys because of harvesting practices and forest management techniques that have created ideal habitat for the birds.”

The event was sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Wheelin’ Sportsmen program, which provides people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The ODNR Divisions of Forestry and Wildlife worked with the Guernsey County Longbeards and the Wolf Creek, Muskingum Valley and Y-Bridge chapters of the NWTF to coordinate the event with donations and volunteer efforts from many local individuals and businesses.

Two guides were provided for each hunter. Hunters provided their own shotguns and ammunition, as well as the necessary licenses and permits.

Two turkeys were taken during the event, which had participants ranging in age from the 20s to the 80s. Some of the hunters were in wheelchairs, others walked with the assistance of canes or braces.
Blue Rock State Forest will be open to public hunting when the spring wild turkey season begins on Monday, April 23. The season runs through May 20. A special youth hunt is scheduled for the upcoming weekend, April 21-22, for those age 17 and younger.