Blue Rock State Forest Hosts Special Hunt For The Disabled

COLUMBUS, OH - Twenty disabled hunters participated in a special hunt for wild turkeys at Blue Rock State Forest in Muskingum County on Saturday, April 4.

“This pre-season hunt provided an opportunity for disabled hunters to participate in a guided hunt,” said David Lytle, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Blue Rock State Forest provides an excellent venue for hunting wild turkeys because of harvesting practices and forest management techniques that have created ideal habitat for the birds.”

The event was sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Wheelin’ Sportsmen program, which provides people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The ODNR Divisions of Forestry and Wildlife worked with the Y-Bridge Longbeards and other chapters of the NWTF to coordinate the event with donations and volunteer efforts from many local individuals and businesses.

Two guides were provided for each hunter. Hunters provided their own shotguns and ammunition, as well as the necessary licenses and permits.

Four turkeys were taken during the event, which had participants ranging in age from the teens to the 80s. Some of the hunters were in wheelchairs, others walked with the assistance of canes or braces.

Blue Rock State Forest will be open to public hunting when the spring wild turkey season begins on Monday, April 20. The season runs through May 17. A special youth hunt is scheduled for the upcoming weekend, April 18-19, for those age 17 and younger.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com. 

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