Hunters with disabilities gathered last weekend for the fifth consecutive year for the National Wild Turkey Federation's "Wheelin' Sportsmen" gobbler hunt at Savannah River Site.

A total of 27 hunters turned out this year, each of whom was accompanied by a guide or caller, said NWTF's Brian Purtymun. "They went out at 4 a.m. each morning, and throughout the hunt they bagged 17 gobblers," he said. Many of the guides were SRS employees and fellow hunters.

David Cianfarano, a disabled veteran from Fountain Inn, S.C., has attended each year since the event began.

"If it wasn't for the NWTF and their Wheelin' Sportsmen program, I wouldn't be out here today enjoying myself, and wouldn't have been able to experience the thrill of getting this gobbler," Cianfarano said.

-- Rob Pavey