The Wheelin' Sportsmen

Posted on October 8, 2006 by J. Tackett 

Every once in awhile if you just keep your eyes and ears open a little and you'll realize just how lucky we all are. I for one don't do it nearly enough. First and foremost, the fact that we live in a country where we have the freedom and the means to hunt for reasons other than sustenance is incredible. Another is the fact that we have the means to care for a retriever and the time needed, no matter how short it may be, to train.

But, maybe most importantly…the fact that we have our health to do any of these things is something I used to take for granted every single day. The ability to make the decision that you would like to go hunting, or train that afternoon, or even walk around your local sporting good store is an incredible privilege that we almost all have. Unfortunately most of us (especially me) take way too much for granted.

I was lucky enough to spend a few days at the USFWS refuge "Bombay Hook" in Delaware. The goose hunting on this refuge is world renowned, but the reason Yella and I made this trip was more important than any hunt I have ever been involved in. Some years ago the US Fish and Wildlife Service became involved with "Wheelin' Sportsmen of America." Throughout various times of the year on different USFWS refuges around the country, Wheelin' Sportsmen in conjunction with Ducks Unlimited and a number of private companies hold hunts for people that have disabilities. It was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had.

Now once this little piece is read, many serious dog people and hunters will skip this particular Waterdog because it's obviously not going to contain a pile of ducks and no 300 yard water blinds. Yes, there will be many more exciting options to do on Sunday morning than spend 30 minutes watching Waterdog learning about the USFWS' Wheelin' Sportsmen program.

That said, if you never ever watch another Waterdog that is fine. But, please watch this one, because just like Werner Els said, "It will do more for you, than it does for anyone else."