Albany Rotary Club to conduct handicapped sportsman’s hunt

ALBANY — The Albany Rotary Club is conducting its 18th annual Handicap Sportsman’s Hunt this week, providing individuals with physical limitations an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

The club said the hunt will take place in Lee County starting around 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon and pick back up at around 6 a.m. on Friday. The Rotary Club annually provides a group of handicapped men and women this opportunity to hunt and enjoy outdoor recreation.

The club also said landowners and Rotarians are encouraged by the hunters’ attitudes and optimism in spite of the physical limitations that the hunters must overcome each day. The event is connected to the club’s motto: “Service Above Self.”

“There were some Rotarians who saw the need (to offer opportunities) for handicapped sportsmen,” Chad Hancock, regional manager of F&W Forestry Service and Albany Rotarian, said. “The landowners give the use of their property.

“It is an opportunity to give back to someone less fortunate.”

Hancock is heading up the hunt for the Rotary Club, a responsibility he took on several years ago after the previous event coordinator passed away. He said there are typically six to eight hunters each year, including some of the same people from year to year as well as a few new faces.

This year’s hunt is made possible by landowner Flo Rob Inc. through its president, John Leach. The hunt typically consists of up to 12 hunters from across the state. Ronnie Howell, one of the participating handicapped hunters, organizes participation based on the schedule of the hunt set by the landowner and availability of the hunters to take part.

The club connected with private landowners to make the hunt, which has served as a strong fellowship opportunity, a reality. The coordinator said that is the best part of the experience.

“Folks have come and gone, and we keep finding new people who want to participate,” Hancock said.

The feedback from the hunters, he said, has been very positive, and the club members get something out of it also. The same is expected this year, providing the weather cooperates.

“Before and after the hunt, (participants) are very thankful for the opportunity,” Hancock said. “They are very excited. Some have not had the opportunity before. They are excited to have the opportunity they don’t have elsewhere. It is very eye-opening to us to see how they adapt with their limitations.

“It helps someone enjoy the outdoors, and (we) see how grateful they are. I enjoy being able to allow that opportunity with others. (Seeing) the smile on their face, the joy (is better) than being in the woods myself.”

This year, eight hunters are expected to participate. Rotary Club members work with the landowner to determine safe hunt locations and help hunters to and from the field. The hunt consists of an afternoon hunt followed by dinner, then breakfast the following morning before a second hunt.

The meals are provided for by the club. Rotarians Lamar Hudgins, Dennis Harrell and Charlie Kelly are assisting in event preparation and coordinating meals for the hunters.