DISABLED & VETERANS hunt REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

The Disabled & Veterans Hunt is limited to 40 hunters, each of whom will be able to shoot three of the long-tailed, ring-necked birds.  The hunt is open to veterans of all ages and also those who require the use of a wheelchair. They must possess a valid California hunting license and an upland game stamp.

There is no cost to shoot. Hunters will be treated to lunch. The hunter who shoots the bird with the longest tail feather will also receive a prize.

At least 100 pheasants  will be released that day. Check-in will take place at 7:00 a.m., and hunters should bring their own firearms and shells.

Volunteers will again be on hand this year to assist with pushing wheelchairs and handing out water bottles if that assistance is desired.

 To reserve a spot in this hunt, please follow the link below to register. If you have a disability please include it along with any assistive technology.  

1. Nonlead ammunition is required.
2. All hunters are required to check-in before and after the hunt.  
3. All hunters and harvested birds must be checked-in, counted, and measured at the end of your hunt.
4. Firearms and dogs must remain at their vehicles until you have been released to hunt.
5. Arrive 1-hour before your hunt and check-in no later than 7:30 am.
6. A blaze orange hunting vest must be worn. If you do not have one, one will be provided for you.
7. Each hunter is responsible for their own shotgun and ammunition.

What to bring?

1. Shotgun
2. Shotgun Ammunition
3. Physical copy of Hunting License
4. Sack lunch & drinks if desired

Hunt Location?

The Pheasant Hunt will take place at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wildlife Area at Lake Success.  Directions are below:

Lake Success Wildlife Area

28890 Ave 176

Strathmore, CA 93267

Coming from the North, take Hwy 65 towards Porterville, turn left on Ave 196, towards Starthmore, and stay on the road until you reach the wildlife area.  Turn right into the Wildlife Area and travel on the dirt road to the middle of the Wildlife Area.

Coming from the South, take Hwy 65 towards Porterville.  Then take Hwy 190 towards Springville.  Travel past Lake Success and then turn left on Ave 176.  Stay on the road until you reach the Wildlife Area.  Turn left into the Wildlife Area and travel on the dirt road to the middle of the Wildlife Area.

The STCSA Veteran's Hunt was inspired by Bill Moench’s cousin, Rich Riethmayer, who served in Vietnam and requires the use of a wheelchair, to launch the Disabled & Veterans Hunt.

One Thanksgiving a few years ago, he and a few others took Riethmayer to the Lake Success Wildlife Area to see if the terrain would be conducive to hunters in wheelchairs.

It was, and the Disabled & Veterans Hunt event was born.

Moench’s desire was “to offer those people in wheelchairs and veterans an opportunity to hunt that they might not otherwise have had.”