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Wlaf1450TOP PHOTO: A huge crowd of hunters, volunteers, community leaders and veterans gathered for the 17th Annual Wheelin’ Sportsman and Wounded Warriors Turkey Hunt on Saturday in Stinking Creek. The event is sponsored and hosted by the Pine Mountain Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
By Charlotte Underwood
STINKING CREEK, TN (WLAF) – The Pine Mountain Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation held its 17th Annual Wheelin’ Sportsman and Wounded Warriors Turkey Hunt on Saturday.
The event catered to 17 hunters, most of which were veterans, according to organizers.
The guided turkey hunt took place on the Terry Lewis Farm at Stinking Creek. It was open to individuals with a physical handicap, Wounded Warriors, veterans, active or retired military. The spring Turkey hunt is one of the main events sponsored by the Pine Mountain Longbeards and funded through its annual banquet fundraiser.
Hunters and guides were transported straight to the blind after arriving at the farm. According to organizers Terry Lewis and Billy Ball, the event went great, with several turkeys getting bagged by lunch.
“We had good weather, a good crowd and a great hunt,” Lewis said.
Wheelin’ Sportsman began at the National Wild Turkey Federation in October 2000. The NWTF “recognized the need to help people with disabilities enjoy the outdoors by participating in hunting and shooting sports.” Events like the one sponsored by the Pine Mountain Longbeards annual Wheelin’ Sportsman and Wounded Warriors Turkey Hunt provide participants with opportunities they may not be able to have on their own either due to the lack of hunting land access, or a lack of needed assistance.
“We do it because we like to give back to those who have sacrificed for our freedoms, this is a small way to do that,” Lewis said, adding that this annual event was “hugely gratifying” for all involved.
“This event takes a lot of work and dozens of volunteers to pull it off,” Lewis said.
Over the 17 years the Pine Mountain Longbeards have been doing the event, they have won five national awards and helped make their Chapter an award winning chapter.
“This is a quality event with great people, and we couldn’t do it without all the help,” Ball said.
Organizers wanted to say a big thanks to all the volunteers and organizations who helped with the event, including the Pine Mountain Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and their partners for the event, including CORA and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, as well as the Tennessee Wildlife Federation.
Billy Ball said he also wanted to thank the Jellico Honor Guard for once again providing a 21 gun salute and playing Taps at the event.
“We really appreciate those guys coming out each year to do this,” Ball said. He also thanked the Campbell County Ambulance Service for being on-site, as well as the Campbell County Sheriff and members of his department. Also recognized was County Mayor E.L. Morton for attending and former LaFollette mayor Mike Stanfield. District Attorney General Jared Effler was recognized for coming out to guide once again and helping his hunter bag a Turkey.
“We’re so thankful for all of you, and especially the event committee and for Greg and Brian Brown and others who did all the cooking,” Ball said.
Upcoming Pine Mountain Longbeards events will be the annual fundraiser banquet on June 16 at the Ball Farm Event Center and Jake’s Day which will be at the same location on August 13.
For more information about joining the Pine Mountain Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, you can contact Terry Lewis at 865. 414.0057 or Billy Ball at 423-871-2200. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/02/2022-6AM)
Thank you very very much, the trip was very good for me mentally. I’ve been struggling with much pain for awhile and the trip gave me a mental boost and gave me a brief time of happiness.