Making a Way for Memories

The South Carolina NWTF Chapter partnered with landowner Shawn Goff in southern Fairfield County to host a Wheelin’ Sportsmen hunt that has provided access for dozens of mobility-impaired hunters the past 15 years. 

Nine Wheelin’ Sportsmen hunters and one youth hunter were guided by SCNWTF board members and volunteers April 11 on a perfect spring morning to be in the woods. The birds gobbled but didn’t always cooperate; ultimately though, participants were just thankful to be out in the field with the freedom to hunt and see the woods come alive.  

“It’s huge for these guys because a lot of them don’t get the opportunity to get out and most don’t have the access and resources to do it,” said Goff, who has opened his cattle operation to the NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen program for the hunt. “It takes somebody to wake up at 4 in the morning to assist them with the process. 

“The NWTF has stepped in and helped by providing resources, guides and assistance to make this happen. It’s not always about killing turkeys, it’s about coming out and being in the woods, hearing and seeing turkeys, and just having a great time in the outdoors.”  

The hunt began more than a decade ago with Rafe Ellisor’s Fun 4 All organization, and many of the hunters have been coming ever since.  

“This is probably one of the biggest crowds,” said George Stabler, a Wheelin’ Sportsmen hunter from Calhoun County. “I’ve been cooped up the last six months after shoulder replacement, and this is the first time I’ve got out and held a gun since then. It was nice to get out on a beautiful morning and have a good time. The NWTF has been a supporter for a number of years, and we really do appreciate it.” 

Added Wheelin’ Sportsmen hunter Jim Wessinger from Lexington, “It’s very much appreciated for what the landowner and the turkey federation does; they go out of their way (for us).” 

Dal Dyches, president of the NWTF National Board of Directors, has been one of the driving forces behind the hunt for years, along with the state board, and hosts other Wheelin’ and youth hunts throughout the year. 

“This is special,” Dyches said. “I’ve been involved with three or four of these guys who have killed their first turkey with me. They’ll never forget that.” 

Volunteers included Kevin Rister, the 2025 South Carolina Calling Championships Open Division champion, who guided one of the hunters. Jacob Beisecker, from Hartsville, also helped facilitate offroad trac chairs for hunters through his Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs company. Beisecker now partners with several organizations throughout the country, including the NWTF on turkey and dove hunts, years after being mistakenly shot at point-blank range in a duck blind with a 12-gauge load. He spent years in a wheelchair but has recovered to help others in the same position he was once in. 

“I had an accident and saw how quickly everything was taken away, life just stopped where the pavement ends,” he said. “It’s become a door that God has opened that allowed me to experience the need and have the perspective to connect with these guys.” 

Ultimately, the one youth hunter, 14-year-old Talmadge Wessinger, harvested the lone bird of the day. It was his third time turkey hunting and first time ever seeing a gobbler within shooting range.  

“Everybody here just does a tremendous job putting this together for the wheelchair hunters,” said Chad Wessinger, Talmadge’s dad. “It’s all about making memories.”