 |
Robin Clark
NWTF Involvement: Virginia NWTF State Chapter President Hometown: Charlottesville, Va. Family: “I’m fortunate to have supportive family and friends, especially after my accident,” Robin said. “They didn’t allow me to stop enjoying life. I am now looking forward to getting my nieces and nephews involved in our JAKES program to continue our hunting heritage.” "Life is what you make it .Don’t let a disability stop you from living a full and active life. Join Wheelin’ Sportsmen and join the fun!"
Robin Clark |
Q&A with Robin Clark
A diving accident at age 16 may have changed Robin Clark’s life, but it sure didn’t dampen his enthusiasm for enjoying the outdoors — and sharing it with others.
NWTF: Robin, how long have you been active in the Wheelin’ Sportsmen program?
Robin Clark: I was at an outdoor show in Richmond back in 2002 and stopped at the NWTF booth. David Vaughan, an NWTF life member, told me about their new outreach program, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, and put me in contact with the state coordinator. Once I attended my first event, I was hooked!
NWTF: How long have you been an NWTF member?
RC: I joined the Central Virginia Chapter in 2003, and came to understand the NWTF was more than an organization dedicated to wild turkeys. I was most impressed with the outreach programs and the community involvement of the chapters. I have since come to appreciate the need for conservation, habitat improvement and standing up for our rights as ethical sportsmen. My love of, and dedication to, my entire NWTF family has grown exponentially the past seven years.
NWTF: How long have you been a turkey hunter?
RC: I am new to turkey hunting. Sure, I’ve killed a turkey here or there in the fall while deer hunting, but I never really hunted turkeys until I joined Wheelin’ Sportsmen. Just after I was appointed as the state coordinator, Charlie Durrer, with the Central Virginia Chapter, approached me about hosting a spring gobbler hunt near Charlottesville. Two months later the chapter hosted the first-ever turkey hunt for people with disabilities in Virginia. That hunt got me hooked, and they just held their sixth annual one in April. That hunt was the first of many Wheelin’ Sportsmen spring gobbler hunts in Virginia.
NWTF: What do you tell non-hunting friends and neighbors when they ask you why turkey hunting can be so addictive?
RC: For me, it’s the challenge of calling a wary old gobbler into shotgun or bow range, and getting off a good shot without getting busted. To have a longbeard come in and gobble to your every call is an amazing feeling. It’s addictive but at the same time frustrating, somewhat like golf. Just when you think you’ve got it, you realize you don’t! The turkeys won’t answer, or they hang up and won’t come in, and it’s back to the drawing board again.
NWTF: What are some of the experiences participants can expect to have at a Wheelin’ Sportsmen outreach event?
RC: For some participants, it’s just about being able to get back out to the woods or the lake again. Disabilities, regardless of the severity, can place both real and perceived restrictions on an individual’s life. Especially for youngsters or those with new injuries, it is difficult to take that first step, get involved and tackle those restrictions head-on. Once they do, I’ve got them hooked on a wonderful program! For more experienced participants, it’s about having an opportunity to harvest a nice buck or mature bird on a new property loaded with game. But the most important aspect that’s often overlooked is the camaraderie we all share when we’re out there. And let’s not forget the volunteers: the events can have a profound positive impact on their lives, too.
NWTF: What’s something you want all people with disabilities to know when it comes to staying active and pursuing their hobbies and dreams?
RC: Your life is what you make it. There are so many exciting outdoor activities you can enjoy regardless of your disability that will improve the quality of your life. There is adaptive gear available to help you shoot, fish, ski … you name it. There’s a way to get it done. So don’t let a disability stop you from living a full and active life!
NWTF: Why should people join Wheelin’ Sportsmen?
RC: Wheelin’ Sportsmen has so many exciting events going on throughout the country. We held 33 events in Virginia last year alone, ranging from deer, turkey, dove and goose hunts, to shooting and fishing events. Any organization requires membership dollars to make it work. Join Wheelin’ Sportsmen and join the fun!
NWTF: Is there anything else that you’d like to mention?
RC: In Virginia, our chapters have learned the importance and value of having strong outreach programs in their communities. There are few better things you can do to improve the size of your NWTF committee, increase banquet attendance and garner respect in your community than hosting an outreach event. Don’t be shy about asking a friend from work, church or school to volunteer to help. These first-time volunteers will soon be active members in your chapter.
— Brian Purtymun