Fred Barber recognized for increasing handicap access for duck hunters
Fred Barber of Payson has received special recognition from the Chairbound Sportsman Organization for his work as Project Manager on a grant from Cabela’s for improving access for handicapped duck hunters.
The grant was for $3,700 and a volunteer donated $100 to finish the work. Two large blinds were built to accommodate two wheelchairs each at one time, plus seating for volunteers and room for supplies. Four propane heaters were purchased. Sometimes the heaters are not enough for our paralyzed sportsman and two, oversized, electric coats large enough to fit over the existing cloths allowing more time in the hunting blind. These improvements were made at the Long Neckers Duck Club in Fayette, Utah. Decoy ducks and clay pidgins were also purchased with the Cabela grant funds. Fred Barber spent countless hours of volunteer time to make the handicap access improvements described here.
As a result of these improvements in late 2017, a total of 24 Chairbound hunters were able to participate in one-day duck hunts. That is an increase from 9 in 2016. The Chairbound Sportsman Organization’s motto is Making the Outdoors Possible for the physically handicapped. If you would like to make a donation for the great work that they do they are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for your tax-deductible donation. Their annual banquet is scheduled for the Provo Marriott Hotel, April 7. Call Kenneth Vaughn at (801) 499-9770.