Fifteen disabled hunters from across the country gathered at the Savannah River Site (SRS) earlier this month for the 20th annual Wheelin’ Sportsmen/SRS Ultimate Turkey Hunt, a unique outdoor event that blends conservation with life-changing experiences in the woods.
Spanning 170,000 acres of SRS-managed woodlands, the two-day hunt gave participants an opportunity to pursue the elusive Eastern wild turkey in a safe, supportive environment, according to a press release from SRS.
Sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service – Savannah River, the Department of Energy (DOE), the Wounded Warrior Project, and the Outdoor Dream Foundation, the event highlighted both environmental stewardship and inclusive recreation.
“For 20 years, this event has brought joy to many disabled hunters,” said Wildlife Program Manager for the U.S. Forest Service Savannah River, Tal Mims. “It’s not just about hunting; it’s about creating unforgettable memories and providing access to experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.”
Among this year’s participants was retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Raymond Archer, who served five combat deployments before sustaining a traumatic brain injury.
Now involved with the Wounded Warrior Project, Archer called the hunt the highlight of his year.
“It was a truly special event that filled my heart, not only because I successfully harvested a turkey but also because I witnessed the joy and happiness of all the children who had the opportunity to hunt as well,” Archer said.
Employees from multiple SRS organizations, including Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Savannah River Mission Completion, the USDA Forest Service – Savannah River, and the Savannah River National Laboratory, served as volunteer hunting escorts.
Their goal: to ensure a safe, meaningful experience for each participant, according to a press release from SRS.
“It’s a privilege to give back to someone who has sacrificed so much for this country,” said SRNS employee and hunt escort Chas Shiels, who accompanied Archer during the event.
After two mornings of hunting, participants gathered for a celebratory lunch on Friday. The event featured remarks from Michael Mikolanis, Field Office Manager for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Savannah River Field Office.
“As the landowner of SRS, NNSA is proud to be a part of this opportunity,” Mikolanis said. “We hope that each participant left with newfound friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.”
In total, hunters harvested 10 turkeys during the event. Wildlife biologists from the U.S. Forest Service collected measurements including weight, beard length, and spur length for future research in wild turkey management.
Now in its 20th year, the SRS Ultimate Turkey Hunt continues to foster community, conservation and accessibility in the great outdoors — offering participants not just a hunt, but an experience to remember, according to a press release from SRS.
