The Community Times Dispatch

The Lowcountry Chapter of Safari Club International held its 4th annual Wheelchair and Wounded Warrior deer hunt Oct. 28 and 29. Nearly 20 veterans in the Wounded Warrior program, soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, came down from Camp LeJeune in North Carolina to participate.

Wheelchair hunters and disabled youth also joined the hunt through SCDNR’s Take One Make One program, helping to tally nine bucks, three does and a wild hog harvested on twelve Lowcountry plantations

South Carolina Disabled Sportsman President Bobby Harrell deserves thanks for bringing several hunters each year. One such invitee was Daniel Smith, a retired Army sniper living in North Augusta attending the SCI hunt for the first time. He brought his own gun, and was paired with an SCI guide at the organizational meeting at Nemours Plantation. Arriving to live oaks wrapped in patriotic bunting, flag waving volunteers, and even a Marine Corps band, Smith shed a tear and said “This is kind of overwhelming, because you don’t get to come to a place like this everyday.”

The National Rifle Association donated money and resources to this year’s hunt with NRA Vice-President Mr. Ron Schmeits and NRA Secretary Major Edward J. Land, USMC (retired) both attending and offering remarks. The Honorable John Dalton, Secretary of the Navy under President Clinton also attended and spoke passionately about why the Wounded Warriors and all U.S. servicemen deserve the country’s support. Brigadier General James B. Laster attended from Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot, and honored participants with the presence of the Marine Color Guard.

Marine Tommy Lee Travis Engle came down from Camp LeJuene on his first trip to the SCI deer hunt. He was injured along the Iran/Iraq border when an IED threw him out of his vehicle, and he sustained several injuries from flying debris. Engle harvested an 8-point buck while hunting and had a shot at some wild pigs, and said, “This is the best time I’ve had since I was back in the war.” SCI is having the deer head mounted for Engle.

SCI organizer Mark Peterson of Bluffton appreciates the continued support of sponsors Benelli, the Schwabel Corparation, Knives of Alaska, La Bella Vita Images, Wild Game Deer Processing and Taxidermy of Sheldon and Black Death deer scent company. Nearly 100 volunteers donated their time and resources for this annual hunt dedicated to giving the gift of the outdoors to veterans and the disabled. Plantation owners who open their properties to share the blessings of the Lowcountry with these special hunters ask for little thanks in return.

Wheelchair hunter Grover Davis from Williston was attending the SCI hunt for the first time and said, “I’m a lifelong hunter who grew up dog-driving for deer in the Walterboro area, then went on to become a forester. Due to my disability, I now need help from my brother-in-law to go hunting, but an opportunity to come hunt with this group gives him a day off.” Davis did not harvest a deer, but was plenty glad to share the camaraderie with other disabled sportsman during the clear and cold weather.

One Response to “Safari Club Wheelchair Hunt Growing”