Shadows on the Wolf Clintonville Chapter started a well-respected and successful ‘Learn to Hunt’ youth program for children in 1999. They were thrilled when USSA asked to have their special kids participate in their program. Through the partnership, over 140 beautiful children and parents have had the exciting experience of their dedicated mentors calling in their first turkey.
On a brisk Saturday morning, seven children and parents from Wisconsin gathered together with their mentors in a hunting blind situated on private property in Shawano and Waupaca county. The young hunters were excited about their chance of bagging an elusive turkey.
First-time hunter Vincent with the assistance of his experienced mentor Sawyer Strebe leveled his 23 lbs. 4 oz tom with a 10-5/8″
beard. Next up was a daughter-mother team guided by a long-time committed father and son. Ashley Lehman said, “My Dad (Tom) and I had the pleasure of taking Miss Lily and her mom, Amanda, on their first turkey hunt. They were a pleasure to hunt with and were clutch shooters when these two gobblers broke loose from a big flock to investigate our calling. Lily’s hunt was caught on film by Amanda, and shortly after, our ‘videographer’ became a huntress herself! Lily’s Longbeard weighed in at 19 lbs. 12 oz. With a 9-1/2″ inch beard. Amanda’s gobbler weighed in at 21 lbs. with a 9-3/4″ beard. Both birds had a very rare double spur totaling 1-1/4″ each.”
Sunday morning, Duke ‘tipped the scales with his gobbler weighing 24 lbs. with 1 -1/4 spurs’ with the guidance of his mentor Shannon Dewhurst. Then Michal bagged his gobbler. “My son, Michael, went on his first USSA turkey hunt. What a trooper, yesterday was a day of 
waiting in the blind, and he was in good spirits all day,” exclaimed Geoffrey. “Today, we went to a different spot, and Michael shot his first turkey. So proud of him. He is so excited. Thank you to his mentor, Tony Schwegel, for the expertise, patience, and the United Special Sportsman Alliance to host this event.”
Many thanks to Shadows on the Wolf and their coordinators, Mike Tuss, Dave Strebe, and Tom Mijal, for their hard work and dedication in this memorable hunt. Also, the support staff for their usual stellar job and delicious home-cooked meals.
Shout out to the mentors and gracious landowners who helped make these rewarding hunts possible and Full Draw 365 donating their fantastic facility to house the families and mentors. Congratulations to all the kids for participating in their first turkey hunt! God bless!
If you know of a deserving child or veteran who might want to attend a free fishing or hunting trip, please contact United Special Sportsman Alliance.