The Middle Potomac Chapter of Ducks Unlimited in Virginia hosted a field goose hunt for physically challenged hunters to include four wheelchair hunters and one ambulatory hunter. The hunt took place January 13th in Westmoreland County on a farm not far from the Potomac River and Popes Creek. Chapter Chairman, Mike Worrell and his committee members teamed up with a local group to put on this hunt. The hunters came from as far away as North Carolina to participate.
The hunters were caravanned from their vehicles by UTV and trailers to a setup in a field that was reported to be a regular feeding area for geese. The amount of goose sign in the field was proof the birds were in the area. Once at the location along a hedgerow, the hunters were then wheeled to plywood covered areas where the hunters could move their wheelchairs around. These positions were tucked into the edge of the field. Portable box blinds were then lifted over set around the hunters to conceal them. A few other blinds were also built into the edge of the field for assistants and callers.
While the hunters were awaiting some geese to sail into the spread, a local hunter and one of the hosts, Joe, went to work cooking a mighty breakfast to keep the hunters warm and happy. The breakfast included hot coffee, fried egg, bacon and cheese sandwiches. Joe did all of this cooking back in the hedgerow with a propane fueled griddle. Every once in a while he would sneak out to the edge of the field and call to the passing geese. The smell of bacon frying and hearing the symphony of goose callers working the flights was a truly unique experience. Unfortunately the wind was gusting to over 20mph and the birds were having a very difficult time even turning into the spread to take a look. One of the younger assistants sitting in the blind commented, “If I were a goose and smelled that great food cooking, I would be feet down and in this spread!”
Still, the hunters were having a good time. Jokes and stories were shared, chatter about dog breeds to include the Boykin that was with one of the hunters was overheard and a good time was had by all. Spirits were high despite the tough conditions. The Middle Potomac Chapter and their hosts and friends that put on the hunt were very much appreciated by the hunters. Who can beat good food, fellowship and hunting all rolled into one? - Mark Fike Outdoor Writer/Photographer www.fikeoutdoors.com
The hunters were caravanned from their vehicles by UTV and trailers to a setup in a field that was reported to be a regular feeding area for geese. The amount of goose sign in the field was proof the birds were in the area. Once at the location along a hedgerow, the hunters were then wheeled to plywood covered areas where the hunters could move their wheelchairs around. These positions were tucked into the edge of the field. Portable box blinds were then lifted over set around the hunters to conceal them. A few other blinds were also built into the edge of the field for assistants and callers.
While the hunters were awaiting some geese to sail into the spread, a local hunter and one of the hosts, Joe, went to work cooking a mighty breakfast to keep the hunters warm and happy. The breakfast included hot coffee, fried egg, bacon and cheese sandwiches. Joe did all of this cooking back in the hedgerow with a propane fueled griddle. Every once in a while he would sneak out to the edge of the field and call to the passing geese. The smell of bacon frying and hearing the symphony of goose callers working the flights was a truly unique experience. Unfortunately the wind was gusting to over 20mph and the birds were having a very difficult time even turning into the spread to take a look. One of the younger assistants sitting in the blind commented, “If I were a goose and smelled that great food cooking, I would be feet down and in this spread!”
Still, the hunters were having a good time. Jokes and stories were shared, chatter about dog breeds to include the Boykin that was with one of the hunters was overheard and a good time was had by all. Spirits were high despite the tough conditions. The Middle Potomac Chapter and their hosts and friends that put on the hunt were very much appreciated by the hunters. Who can beat good food, fellowship and hunting all rolled into one? - Mark Fike Outdoor Writer/Photographer www.fikeoutdoors.com
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