QUINCY,MI (WTVB) – Quincy resident Ervin Schmucker, who was diagnosed with juvenile Parkinson’s at age 25, has spent the the better part of a year engineering a specialized, handicap-accessible hunting blind to help disabled sportsmen return to the field.
The 18-foot elevated structure features an integrated elevator lift for wheelchairs and a “sip and puff” device that allows hunters with limited motor function to fire a weapon using a bite-activated trigger.
Schmucker’s initiative aims to remove both the physical and financial barriers of adaptive hunting by offering the experience to the community for free.
The blind has already seen success, with Ron Bates—a hunter paralyzed nearly 30 years ago—using the elevator to reach heights he hadn’t experienced since his injury. During his first trip in the new facility, Bates successfully harvested a deer despite having no hand movement.
Backed by support from several local officials, Schmucker is now looking to expand the program by seeking donations and suitable properties to host additional blinds across West Michigan.
If anyone would like to donate to the cause, or has property that is suitable for a blind and is interested in putting one up, contact Schmucker at (616)-780-2985.
This is something that Uncle Ted needs to get involved in.