I gained a whole new respect and perspective for the sport of hunting this past weekend. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend some of the activities from this year’s Wheeling Sportsmen event headquartered at the Bass Pro Shop in Pearl. Some 62 hunters participated in a special hunt, dedicated to youth 17 years of age and younger, that experience some type of disability in their lives.

This special hunt, sponsored by Bass Pro Shop, The National Wild Turkey Federation, Primos Hunting calls, and The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, allowed many of our youth the opportunity to take part in our wonderful sport of hunting that may not have been possible otherwise.

These special hunters were from all parts of our state. Many volunteers made a special effort to make this deer hunt memorable to both the kids themselves and their families. I spoke with several of the volunteers and each of them expressed how much they enjoyed being allowed the opportunity to help these boys and girls enjoy the outdoors.

I overheard hunters telling their guides how much they appreciated them taking them, and I heard the guides thanking their hunters for allowing them the opportunity to take them.

David Ruth, president of the Rankin County Wildlife Federation, and his hunter, Dakota Martinez from Poplarville, enjoyed great success in the woods and waters of Mississippi Saturday. Their first choice of stands was disturbed by some ranging dogs that were traveling back and forth.

David decided to take Dakota to another stand site shortly after daylight. Boredom seemed to set in as Dakota said to David, “I don’t think we’ll see anything this morning.” David replied back by telling him he knew where a deer was. Slowly he pointed out the group of deer that had emerged from the woods into the field they were watching. After some careful maneuvering, and a great shot, Dakota had harvested his first whitetail. That afternoon, I understand that Dakota had the opportunity to go fishing too. Final tally of fish for the day was 32. What a day!

Nicole McClendon, another volunteer, also had the opportunity to take a hunter afield. She was fortunate to take Austin McAlpin, from Florence, on his first whitetail hunt. When I asked if they were successful, she replied back with a huge smile. That said it all, they had connected also.

Joe Woods, with the NWTF, told me that this was the third wheeling sportsman event of this type held here. He stated that it is growing each year and more and more children are afforded the opportunity to enjoy our wonderful outdoors that many of us, myself included, sometimes may take for granted.

Each child was given numerous door prizes at the opening banquet Friday night. Jimmy Primos, of Primos Hunting Calls, made sure that each child went home with a pocket full of calls.

This special hunt was a great reminder of the responsibility we have to share our wildlife heritage to not only those less fortunate, but to all of our youth. The smiles and stories from this hunt are priceless. It made me thankful for every opportunity to enjoy our wonderful outdoors.

I encourage all of us to take time to share the outdoors with those that may not have the opportunities that many of us do. I assure you, the joy you will receive from seeing the smiles from those you shared the outdoor experience with will be everlasting.

Until next time enjoy our woods and waters, and remember, let’s leave it better than we found it.