United Special Sportsman Alliance thrills volunteer by donating elk hunt

USSA · 10-22-2009, 10:16 AM

October 16, 2009

United Special Sportsman Alliance thrills volunteer by donating elk hunt

By Ashley A. Smith
Marshfield News-Herald

PITTSVILLE -- For five years, Wayne Schwanebeck has helped the Pittsville-based United Special Sportsman Alliance to provide outdoors activities to children with disabilities.

But when founder Brigid O'Donoghue learned Schwanebeck had lung cancer, she knew it was time for the nonprofit to give to one of its volunteers.

"I think he's such a kind-spirited and generous man," said O'Donoghue. "I know the kind of person he is, and he doesn't expect anything in return."

Through the organization, Schwanebeck, 79, was able to go on an elk hunt last week with his son, Rick.

"That was the greatest day for me," Schwanebeck said. "It was a dream I never thought I'd be able to accomplish."

O'Donoghue said that when she learned about Schwanebeck's cancer, she knew right away the organization would give him the elk hunt of a lifetime.

The hunt, donated by Scott Weiler, took place on his property in Auburndale. All of the meat processing was paid for by the Pittsville American Legion, and taxidermy work also will be donated for the seven-by-six-point bull elk Schwanebeck shot, O'Donoghue said.

Schwanebeck, a Korean War veteran, said he was fishing when O'Donoghue told him about the elk hunt and became overwhelmed that the organization would donate a hunt to him.

"That day was so emotional," he said. "It was so touching, and I was so grateful."

Schwanebeck said he and his son spent two hours waiting before two elk came into sight.

"He picked out the bigger of the two," O'Donoghue said.

Rick Schwanebeck said the family especially enjoys deer hunting, but because of his father's cancer, the recent elk hunt was even more special.

"So it was one more chance to be out hunting with him," Rick Schwanebeck, of Granton, said. "Just the chance to do an elk hunt, which we've never done, was super. I can't thank the people who donated the elk hunt enough for doing this for my father."

Wayne Schwanebeck, who has lung cancer,
and his son, Rick, watch for elk during a day of
hunting together. (Contributed photo)

10-22-2009, 10:16 AM	#1
USSA Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: WI Posts: 115	United Special Sportsman Alliance thrills volunteer by donating elk hunt October 16, 2009 United Special Sportsman Alliance thrills volunteer by donating elk hunt By Ashley A. Smith Marshfield News-Herald PITTSVILLE -- For five years, Wayne Schwanebeck has helped the Pittsville-based United Special Sportsman Alliance to provide outdoors activities to children with disabilities. But when founder Brigid O'Donoghue learned Schwanebeck had lung cancer, she knew it was time for the nonprofit to give to one of its volunteers. "I think he's such a kind-spirited and generous man," said O'Donoghue. "I know the kind of person he is, and he doesn't expect anything in return." Through the organization, Schwanebeck, 79, was able to go on an elk hunt last week with his son, Rick. "That was the greatest day for me," Schwanebeck said. "It was a dream I never thought I'd be able to accomplish." O'Donoghue said that when she learned about Schwanebeck's cancer, she knew right away the organization would give him the elk hunt of a lifetime. The hunt, donated by Scott Weiler, took place on his property in Auburndale. All of the meat processing was paid for by the Pittsville American Legion, and taxidermy work also will be donated for the seven-by-six-point bull elk Schwanebeck shot, O'Donoghue said. Schwanebeck, a Korean War veteran, said he was fishing when O'Donoghue told him about the elk hunt and became overwhelmed that the organization would donate a hunt to him. "That day was so emotional," he said. "It was so touching, and I was so grateful." Schwanebeck said he and his son spent two hours waiting before two elk came into sight. "He picked out the bigger of the two," O'Donoghue said. Rick Schwanebeck said the family especially enjoys deer hunting, but because of his father's cancer, the recent elk hunt was even more special. "So it was one more chance to be out hunting with him," Rick Schwanebeck, of Granton, said. "Just the chance to do an elk hunt, which we've never done, was super. I can't thank the people who donated the elk hunt enough for doing this for my father." Wayne Schwanebeck, who has lung cancer, and his son, Rick, watch for elk during a day of hunting together. (Contributed photo)