TOLEDO, Ohio, April 23, 2009 –The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority hosted physically challenged hunters for a weekend of wild turkey hunting on the property of Toledo Express Airport. The hunters departed on Saturday and Sunday morning at 4 a.m. and returned to the Spartan Logistics Warehouse located at 11360 S. Airfield Road each day at noon.

This annual event is hosted by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Wheelin’ Sportsmen/National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The purpose of the hunt is to team-up able-bodied guides with physically challenged hunters to assist the Toledo Express Airport in their Wildlife Hazard Management Plan.

It is the responsibility of Toledo Express Airport management to mitigate and control wildlife hazards in and around the vicinity of the airport property. Recent events have highlighted the increased risk of serious aircraft damage and the loss of human lives due to bird strikes. The annual spring turkey hunt decreases the risk of such events.

“Toledo Express continually focuses on safety and wildlife management and we are honored to be able to partner with such a great cause to fulfill this duty,” says Mike Gula, Airport Operations Manager. “The annual spring turkey hunt allows physically challenged individuals the opportunity to be part of an enjoyable and challenging event that has a true safety purpose.”

The hunt was preceded by a Welcome Party and Sponsor Dinner on Friday, April 24 at Valleywood Country Club in Swanton, Ohio. The hunters met their guides and the people who have made the weekend hunt possible at the dinner, which included a silent auction and gun raffles.

Wheelin’ Sportsman/NWTF provides all people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through local chapter events being held nationwide. For more information about Wheelin’ Sportsman/NWTF, visit www.wheelinsportsmen.org or call 1-800-THE-NWTF.

The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority’s business is transportation. That business is shaped by our mission to move people and cargo through the region while employing innovative finance programs to stimulate economic development. For more information, please visit www.toledoportauthority.org.