News

Wingshooting Warriors honors record number of vets, first responders

Zach Reinoehl, of Pine Grove, served in the Marine Corps in the late 1990s.

"Back then, as a 17-year-old looking to enlist, I was trying to prove something, that I could do it and that this was a country worth going out and serving," said the 38-year old. "I learned that it takes a special group of people to not only put their life and limbs on the line, but to also give up a period of their lives for their country, for their neighbors."

That appreciation and the shared camaraderie that comes with it is why Reinoehl has no problem each year donating his time and his dogs to his fellow veterans and first responders for the annual Wingshooting Warriors event at Martz Gap View Hunting Preserve near Dalmatia.

"It gives them a day to reset, to get their minds off whatever is going on in life, watch the dogs work the cover and share a moment with others who have similar values and beliefs," Reinoehl said. "I took out an Army sergeant a year ago who still reaches out and thanks me for the hunt and taking his first-ever upland bird. What can you do in life where you give an hour of yourself and it means so much to someone that they still make an effort to still thank you a year later?"

A record number of 157 veterans and first responders participated in the 11th annual Wingshooting Warriors event on Oct. 22-23. Hosted by local chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), this was the first year the event was held over two days as participants were provided everything they needed for a successful pheasant hunt, free of charge thanks to a growing number of sponsors.

"They treated us like kings and queens and spoiled us with everything, from food to ammunition and quality dog handlers and great fellowship," said 79-year-old Dr. Richard Moses of Hershey. "I had a guide who I enjoyed just chatting with who insisted he wasn't there to tell me how to shoot or what to do, he just genuinely wanted to make sure my day was enjoyable and it definitely was!"

Wingshooting Warriors was created as a day of thanks and to offer inspiration to veterans and first responders, getting them out into the field and supporting hunting heritage, according to event co-creator Walt Bingaman. "This year, we had an extra day to create more opportunities for our disabled and less-mobile participants with hunts geared for them."

That focus and extra attention was especially critical for Moses, one of numerous participants with mobility limitations.

"You realize that with an extremely arthritic hip, you start to look like a snow skier, you lean forward so don't fall. So, I have two short canes that I depend on to walk and an electric vehicle, a yellow Tzora," he said. "The set-up at the hunt was incredible because I could use my Tzora the whole time. They make sure I had real access to everything and provided instruction to make sure the hunt was successful."

Witnessing the reaction of participants like Moses is one of the reasons Wingshooting Warriors is so rewarding and worthwhile according to the event's other co-director, Jack Giblin.

"He hadn't been able to hunt for several years. The first pheasant he shot, broke out in tears of happiness," Giblin said. "Overall, it was a great day. We had people from all over the country from places like Texas, North Carolina and Virginia, not just Pennsylvania. We safely hosted all of those individuals to a great day of pheasant hunting with some beautiful weather, which all added up to a fantastic event."

Another first-day hunter included a veteran from the Air Force who no longer had use of his legs.

"He was deeply touched to be able to shoot a pheasant. He shared with us the story of his first pheasant hunt 32 years ago and said he thought he would never get the chance to do it again," said Bingaman. "Several participants harvested their first-ever pheasant and a few went to the taxidermist to preserve their memories from the day."

The second day was devoted to the remaining 137 participants - a capacity crowd - split into smaller hunting groups and paired with a volunteer dog handler, dog and assigned area to hunt where pheasant were stocked beforehand.

"I love getting out with my dogs - I don't ever need to shoot another bird, for me, it is all about working with and watching my dogs enjoy what they do best. It gives you a certain amount of pride, like watching your kid hit a ball over the fence," said Reinoehl. "To share that with these veterans, to see the awe in their face as they watch these dogs work, it is extra special. Who doesn't like dogs? And to get to work together with them as a team is great."

After the hunt and photos, participants are able to take home fully cleaned pheasant meat ready for a meal.

"The full team of volunteers who pull off this event are deeply thankful to our veterans and first responders who selflessly place their lives on the line for us all," said Bingaman. "Thanks to the incredible support from our volunteers and sponsors, the PA Wingshooting Warriors event remains committed to honoring these heroes and showing our ongoing appreciation for their service."

He added that at the heart of each Wingshooting Warriors event is the goal of expressing the nation's gratitude through "shooting sports, delicious food and meaningful fellowship."

"To foster new connections, each attendee is encouraged to approach at least one or two people they do not know and introduce themselves," said Bingaman. "This demonstrates the National Wild Turkey Federation's vision of 'a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.'"

The success of this event over 11 years is not a coincidence or accident, Giblin added. It takes quite a bit of time and preparation.

"Having done this for 11 years, you learn that once it stops, work for the next year starts up again days later. We follow up on those who expressed interest from the most recent event while it is still fresh in everyone's minds," he said. "We are looking for new sponsors and new veterans to participate next year. Getting started now helps spread out the fundraising and other preparation."