MCCONNELSVILLE, OH –Outdoor enthusiasts with disabilities will have the opportunity to hunt deer, participate in various field activities, and create lasting memories and friendships this fall during a special deer hunting event for disabled sportsmen according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.  

The eighth annual AEP Ohio Wheelin’ Sportsmen Ultimate Team-Up special deer hunt will be conducted on October 30 and 31 with the event activities at the Clarence E. Miller Armory while the participants will be hunting on land known as the AEP ReCreation Land near McConnelsville.  The “Ultimate Team-Up” is a program developed by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).  Participants do not have to be confined to wheelchairs and the event is open to applicants with any type of physically challenging disability. An experienced guide will offer whatever assistance may be needed in the field.  Sponsored by American Electric Power, NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen, NWTF Wolf Creek Chapter, and the Ohio Division of Wildlife, this award-winning event will host approximately 40 to 45 hunters.       

To be considered for participation in the event, interested hunters must submit their names and subsequent information no later than September 4.  For registration information, contact Dave Dingey at (740) 962-1205 or Brian Cox at (740) 962-1215.

Hunters in both events must meet necessary Ohio licensing requirements, but do not need to be experienced in deer hunting.  Each hunter will be partnered with an experienced and capable hunting guide, which will make their hunting trip memorable, educational, and, hopefully, successful.

This special hunting event is designed to promote education, good health, character, sportsmanship, recreation, self-esteem, and disability awareness.