NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Gunshots could be heard throughout Martz Gap View Hunting Preserve near Dalmatia as more than 100 hunters took their shots. But these aren't just any hunters. They are veterans and first responders.
"I did three tours, two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan," Lizbeth Sanchez said.
This is the 7th annual Wingshooting Warriors Day, sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation.
"We're just saying thank you and trying to create a day of fellowship and friendship and enjoying the great outdoors," Walter Bingaman said.
Vets, firefighters, and police officers from as far away as Arizona came for the free hunt.
"Every day, we're hearing about how underappreciated police officers and volunteer firefighters are and what they do. We're just treating them today," Bingaman said.
Lizbeth Sanchez served in the Army National Guard and started hunting last year.
"We came last month for a veterans shoot. They asked if we knew about this shoot, and I was like, no, and they told me about it, so we're here again, and I'm really excited. It's my first time being part of this group," Sanchez said.
Donald Feese was also in the Army National Guard and served in Desert Storm.
"Oh, it's great. It really is. They work hard at this," Donald Feese said.
Feese and some other hunters have a hard time walking. They used this adaptable chair.
"When the dog points, then I get off and wait till they flush it. That way, I get to shoot, too," Feese said.
"That will enable him to go out and do the same thing the other guys are doing without breaking a sweat," Bingaman said.
Organizers say this was the largest group since they started this event seven years ago.