Wheelin’ Sportsmen Hunt Media Alert

News Release

Who

Southwest Florida Water Management District staff, National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)/Wheelin’ Sportsmen representatives, disabled hunters and volunteer guides

What

The District has partnered with the NWTF/Wheelin’ Sportsmen to organize this gun hunt, which allows disabled men, women and young adults to experience the outdoors. Participants will use shotguns and rifles during the deer and hog hunt.

When

Saturday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m.

Where

The hunt will be held on the District’s Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, Hampton Tract, in Polk County. The entrance is at the intersection of Rockridge Road and Deen Still Road.

District Contact: Paul Elliott, 1-800-492-7862, ext. 6153 or cell (863) 559-4662

Wheelin’ Sportsmen Contact: Mike Blanton, (352) 212-9718

Directions: From Lakeland: U.S. Hwy. 98 north to Rockridge Road and turn right. Follow Rockridge Road until it intersects with Deen Still Road. There will be a small island in the road at the curve. Turn left back onto Rockridge Road. The main entrance gate to the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, Hampton Tract, is at the turn. Look for the NWTF/Wheelin’ Sportsmen sign.

  • The District is partnering with the National Wild Turkey Federation/Wheelin’ Sportsmen, a group dedicated to providing all people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The group organizes hunts, fishing events, recreational shooting, and other outdoor activities.
  • The Wheelin’ Sportsmen hold more than 2 dozen outdoor events in Florida each year.
  • As part of the partnership, the District has agreed to let the organization use the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, Hampton Tract, for a gun hunt, Nov. 1719. The property will be closed to the public. The preserve is located in Polk County, at the intersection of Rockridge Road and Deen Still Road.
  • Nov. 17 is a check-in day for participants, who must also attend a mandatory meeting. The hunt will take place Nov. 18-19.
  • Approximately 25 hunters will be taking part in the deer and hog hunt. The hunters have already been selected. For more information about participating in future events, visit the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) web site www.nwtf.org.
  • Hunters will use shotguns and rifles during the hunt.
  • A local restaurant, Jimbo’s Pit Bar-B-Q, and the NWTF Chapter System have volunteered to provide a meal for the hunters during this event.