Any wheelchair shotgunners here?

[Bud Tugly]

I'm a quadriplegic with fairly good arm and hand function so I can still hold and fire a shotgun. I use a power wheelchair and can get out in the woods to do some target shooting and go down old logging roads for grouse and woodcock hunting. Not really much interested in shooting at a range or club since I'm a deep-woods type and not much of a joiner.

I've been sticking to .410's and .22's since I have no sensation or muscle function below the armpits. That means the full force of the recoil is absorbed directly by my shoulder and using more powerful guns is pretty much out of the question. I've never tried a 28 gauge but am thinking about picking one up since I understand that they pattern better than a .410 without much more recoil.

Anybody else around here in a similar situation? What adaptations have you made so you can still get out and hunt?

BTW, I'm definitely NOT fishing for sympathy here - just looking for ideas. Life is still very good to me and I'm squeezing all the juice out of it and having fun. :D

[Smitty in CT]

Bud,

I have worked with several folks in wheelchairs and have riggged shooting fixtures so that you can use a 12GA and the fixture will absorb the recoil and not your shoulder.

I don't know if you've ever heard of a group called Outdoors Without Limits (OWL)?? Here is a link to their website:
http://www.outdoorswithoutlimits.org/

They have held shooting events at our club and there was a great turnout.

There are many adaptive things that can be done so that you can still use a larger gauge gun so that you don't limit yourself to smaller game.

[The Deer Hunter]

I use a power wheelchair and can get out in the woods to do some target shooting and go down old logging roads for grouse and woodcock hunting.

What if your battery dies?

[Bud Tugly]

Thanks for the input, Smitty. I'm actually pretty confident shooting with a .410 and often go out with my son or a friend. I'm pretty independent and love being out in the woods.

There are lots of old logging roads around here that are pretty accessible for folks in wheelchairs. The cover is very thick in most places and shots are usually at close range, so quick accurate shots are necessary.

How does the recoil of a 28 compare to a .410? I've owned 12's and 20's and know they are more than I want to handle, but a 28 might be just right.

[Bud Tugly]

Deer Hunter, my batteries will go for 10 miles or more on a charge, so I just have to keep an eye on my charge meter. The biggest issue is soft sand and mud holes, and I've been stuck quite a few times. that's why I make sure I've got a buddy with who can push me out. :D

[BridgeWalker]

Not me, but my uncle. Also, quadraplegic with some hand/arm function. He was my first real shotgun instructor, from his chair and he takes some shots too when he and his kids and their friends go out backyard target shooting. Works pretty well for him. He usually shoots a 16. :)

[Cosmoline]

Maybe I'm getting too creative here, but while your shoulder can't take recoil that CHAIR certainly could. Those power ones are heavy beasts. I'm wondering about a shotgun mounted by a jointed steel arm to the frame of the chair and manipulated with your good hand. I believe I've seen equipment along these lines used by professional cameramen. Or am I smoking again?