Wheelin’ Sportsmen Program in California Delivers Life-Changing Outdoor Experiences
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation’s Wheelin’ Sportsmen program in California continues to provide unforgettable hunting experiences for individuals with disabilities, and this spring season was no exception. Under the leadership of long-time NWTF volunteer Don Wixon, the program has helped participants rediscover their confidence, connect with the outdoors and forge lifelong memories.
“So far this year, we’ve had ups, downs and a few things go sideways,” said Wixon. “But there’s never a dull moment, and every hunt is a chance to show someone they can still do the things they love.”
The spring turkey season kicked off with a remarkable start when returning hunter Karen Trolan harvested a mature tom with a beard measuring over 15¾ inches — her second wild turkey. Using a box call donated by Hooks Custom Calls, Trolan and her son handled the calling themselves, sweet talking the mature bird into range after a morning of patience and persistence.
The following weekend delivered another milestone moment as first-time turkey hunter Robert Taylor harvested his first bird from a wheelchair-accessible blind. The gobbles echoed through the trees building anticipation before two jakes came into view. With calm aim and guidance from Wixon, Taylor dropped one cleanly at 25 yards. To cap off an already incredible day, Taylor and his wife attended the NWTF River City Roost Chapter banquet, where he won a new rifle.
But the season wasn’t without its challenges. A personal mishap saw Wixon suffer a fractured hip just days before a scheduled hunt. Undeterred, and with the help of dedicated volunteers like Dave Tenorio and Don’s grandson Austin Wixon, the hunt carried on, ensuring that no participant was left behind.
“Without their help, this second weekend hunt would not have happened,” Don said. “In fact, a lot of the hunts over the years would not have happened. They do everything from setting up blinds, loading and toting all our gear to the blinds and helping the hunters get around in their wheelchairs. Thanks guys.”
Unfortunately, the next outing with their third hunter didn’t yield a bird, but the camaraderie and time outdoors were still meaningful. Persistent weather and difficult terrain kept participant Brian Tibbetts from reaching the usual setup in previous years. This year, with improved access thanks to a generous landowner, the team got close — but the gobblers stayed glued to their hens in a nearby field.
Ultimately, the Wheelin’ Sportsmen program is about far more than just turkey hunting. It’s about restoring confidence and proving that the outdoor lifestyle is still accessible — no matter your physical limitations.
“This program has been an inspiration to many who thought they couldn’t do anything at all after their injury, let alone get out into the woods and harvest their own food,” Don said. “The Wheelin’ Sportsman program has been an eye-opening experience for many. I have been told several times ‘If I can do this, I can do anything.’ I normally tell them, ‘Yes you can.’ You might have to do it a little differently than before, but if it’s something you love, there is almost always a way to figure it out. I have had full grown men break down in tears at this realization.”
Don credits the program’s continued success to the generous landowners, supporters and volunteers who help make these moments possible.
“I need to say thank you to the property owners and managers who let us on their
land,” he said.?“Without your grateful gift, none of this would be possible. You have no idea how much you have helped people. Next, I would like to say thank you to Tom Bookholtz, Dave and Austin. You guys are the backbone of this program and always do whatever needs to be done to make sure our hunters have a safe and good time. Last, but definitely not least, is the NWTF and the River City Roost Chapter for your support for this program.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
