Empowering Moments in the Great Outdoors with the North Louisiana NWTF

Hosted in Chopin, Louisiana, the event saw the participation of four individuals from the community. Highlighting the event's success were two hunters who made significant harvests. John Piro, guided by his childhood friend Billy, harvested a doe, while Gill Banta, guided by Larry Johnson, achieved a memorable milestone by harvesting his first racked buck (8-pointer) in 23 years.

“Overall, it’s about the opportunity, not the outcome,” said Ronda Johnson, Louisiana Wheelin’ Sportsmen committee member. “Sharing our passion with others and passing it on is our goal.”

The event's success was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Louisiana NWTF State Board and various partners, including Despino Tire, Powers Processing, Bellevue Meats, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Barksdale Warriors, EOD Warrior Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Friends of Tensas, U.S. Department Wildlife and Fish, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Department, Wren Family Farm and the Coon Hunters Association.

In 2023, the North Louisiana NWTF chapter organized 18 hunting events, providing 30 hunting days for 80 hunters and involving 130 volunteers. The hunters harvested 39 deer, including 12 bucks and 27 does, along with 17 hogs and two bobcats, two coyotes and five raccoons.

The chapter took pride in creating memorable "firsts" for the participants in 2023, including blind hunter Josh Harris, who harvested his first doe with his father and later secured a 7-point buck. His guide, Skeet Hodgkins, assisted him in achieving this milestone using a mobile assistive device, which operates through suction on a tube. With this innovative apparatus, individuals with disabilities can once again enjoy the great outdoors, regardless of their disability.

Brian Jeager, a paralyzed hunter, guided by Skeet Hodgkins, harvested his first 8-point buck using the mobile hunting assistive device.

"Having the opportunity to use a device like that to give someone like me, who has no use of their hands or fingers, was really cool,” Jeager said. “It feels good to say that you were actually able to kill a deer yourself instead of having to be with someone who does it for you. I’ve been going for a couple of years now, and it’s always a lot of fun, even if I don’t get anything. Everyone is always real friendly and it’s just been a fun atmosphere.”

Whitney Brown, a first-time hunter from Florida, harvested her first doe with her brother Jordan guiding her. Brown’s mother shares that she is still clutching the shell casing and recounting her hunting adventure to everyone in Florida.

The impact extended to Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Warriors Dyvan Lee, Elijah Steele and Cesar Soto, who harvested their first deer and found renewed purpose.

Reflecting on the profound impact on the community, Ronda Johnson explained the importance of these events and why Wheelin’ Sportsmen is an important part of the mission of the NWTF.

"Physically challenged hunters feel that they have something that they can contribute to and participate in once again by giving them something to look forward too and providing a safe activity that is geared for their specific needs,” said Johnson. “Our events allow physically challenged folks the opportunity to step outside their boxes and be a part of something bigger than they ever thought possible. It gives them their confidence back and improves their mental well-being. Just being able to get back into the great outdoors again and see all God’s creations is very therapeutic.”

Additionally, the North Louisiana NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen chapter would like to thank all of its volunteers who make these events possible.

“We are thankful and grateful for each and every one of them,” said Johnson. “There is no way that we would be able to touch so many lives without all of our wonderful volunteers! Ours are truly amazing and go above and beyond to share their passion of the outdoors with others.”                                                                                                      

The NWTF's Wheelin' Sportsmen program started in October 2000 to support individuals with mobility impairments in experiencing the outdoors through hunting and shooting sports. These events offer opportunities that participants might otherwise miss due to limited access to hunting land or insufficient assistance. Participation often equips individuals with the knowledge and experience to pursue hunting independently throughout the year.

Find a NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen event near you.