A two-day hunt at the Savannah River Site (SRS) created a lifetime of memories for 15 disabled hunters and their escorts during the SRS Ultimate Turkey Hunt. 

Made possible through the collaboration of the U.S Forest Service, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Outdoor Dream Foundation (ODF), this annual event provides a  unique turkey hunting experience for disabled hunters from across the country. Participants 
and their escorts are given access to the Site’s pristine woodlands spanning 90,000 acres.

“The SRS Ultimate Turkey Hunt offers a truly unique experience for passionate outdoorsmen, especially those who may not always have easy access to such opportunities,” said Tal Mims, Wildlife Program Manager for the U.S. Forest Service at Savannah River. “By working with volunteers, we make the outdoors welcoming and accessible, allowing participants to enjoy the beauty and excitement of hunting in the SRS woodlands. It’s rewarding to see how this event creates lasting memories and brings people together through their shared love of the outdoors.”  SRNS employee and volunteer Chas Shiels escorted Austin Scott and his father Marty Scott during the SRS Ultimate Turkey hunt.  

Austin Scott, who was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness at a young age, was one of the hunters selected to participate in this year’s event. Within the early hours of the first morning, Austin was able to harvest a turkey alongside 
his father Marty Scott and SRNS escort Chas Shiels. 

"I truly enjoyed watching Austin harvest a turkey, but what I value just as much are the friendships that are made through this event," said Marty Scott.  

Employees from various contractors across the Site including SRNS, Savannah River Mission Completion, the U.S. Forest Service and Savannah River National 
Laboratory were selected to serve as hunting escorts. Their role ensures the hunters have a safe and successful experience. 

SRNS employee Courtney Sumner has been an event volunteer for the past three years. This year, she served as a lead escort for participant William 
Durabos who was able to harvest his first turkey.  

“This annual hunt is something I look forward to every year,” said Sumner. “The land and wildlife resources that SRS generously provide create an incredible opportunity for these hunters to escape their everyday life, immerse themselves in nature and create lasting memories. I take great pride in sharing with others that the place I work supports such a meaningful and 
extraordinary initiative.” 

In addition to supporting a great cause, the hunt contributes to wild turkey conservation efforts and supports research initiatives conducted by the 
University of Georgia and U.S. Forest Service.  

"There’s a tremendous amount of research that takes place on the Site. Right now, the U.S. Forest Service and the University of Georgia is conducting studies using radio telemetry and GPS tracking to gather data on nesting, habitat use, gobbling response and similar behaviors,” said Mims. “The fact that SRS is not open to the public enables us to carry out studies here that wouldn’t be possible in other locations.”  

“As the landlord of SRS, NNSA is honored to support this event, giving participants from the Outdoor Dream Foundation, NWTF’s Wheelin’ Sportsmen and veterans the chance to appreciate the effective land management practices at SRS,” said NNSA Savannah River Field Office (SRFO) Manager Michael Mikolanis. “We hope every participant departed with lasting memories and new friendships.”