More than 30 young people with varying physical and intellectual disabilities had the opportunity to take part in Ohio’s Youth Deer Gun Season earlier this month, thanks to the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s (USA) Boots on the Ground program and 50 volunteers from Bricklayers (BAC) locals 7 and 39 in southeastern Ohio.

Participants, ranging in age from 12 to 17 years, are students at two Lawrence and Scioto county schools. Each youth and their family received a practice round and instruction at a local shooting range, a guided whitetail hunt, food and lodging for two nights at Shawnee State Park and an invitation to a kids-style banquet. The hunts took place on public lands—specifically designated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources—in the Wayne National Forest as well as on select, private lands.

The project originated from a desire to provide kids with something they rarely or never get—access to the great outdoors, BAC Local 7 member David Tibbetts says.

I feel blessed to have been able to attend and help by being a guide at this event. My hunting partner and his father are now my friends and the bond formed in the blind and at the banquet and dinner will last a lifetime.

For more information on the hunt and the Boots on the Ground program, click here.