Josh, a young man from Iowa had an unfortunate accident that resulted in paralysis and caused him to be a wheelchair user. Prior to his accident, he was an avid outdoorsman enjoying the many hunting and fishing excursions that he did with his father. He now struggles with using his wheelchair to traverse the terrain to access most of the familiar fishing areas and hunting blinds he had so enjoyed. Josh has the ambition and desire to continue hunting and fishing more than he is able to do today because of access and mobility constraints.

During October of 2025, Heartland DSC with the financial support of Hayden Outdoors surprised Josh with a Freedom Trax, a portable, motorized track system that transforms his manual wheelchair into a rugged off-road wheelchair so that he can continue to pursue his outdoor passions. We wish Josh the best of luck on his outdoor pursuits. Thank you to Hayden Outdoors that helped make it possible to positively impact this young person’s life through the transformative gift of mobility!

Published October 2025

The 2025 Heartland DSC Banquet & Auction set new records both in attendance and funds raised to support our mission of Getting Youth Outdoors. Once again, the evening was highlighted by gifting an all-terrain mobility chair to a youth to provide him with mobility and access to the outdoors. New in 2025, youth were awarded “First” Awards in recognition of their first catch or first harvest that took place during the preceding year. The inaugural Rick Gibson Award was awarded to Shirley Hill-Marshall for her untiring support of our mission, and our Guardians were presented plaques in recognition of their support. The fun-filled evening included raffles, games, and auctions along with a roving magician, kids casting contest, and the always popular Wildlife Encounters exhibit for family members. It is with great appreciation that we recognize the attendees, sponsors, and donors that make it possible for us to continue our efforts in regards to Access Outdoors, Conservation, Education, and Advocacy!

Watch your emails and our website for information on our upcoming 2026 Heartland DSC Banquet & Auction.

Published – February 2024

Heartland DSC awarded a mobility chair to a youth during the 2024 Summer Event much to the surprise of the recipient. This is the seventh mobility chair awarded by Heartland DSC and was presented to a 12-year old young man from Nebraska that was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was four years old.

Upon being awarded the chair it quickly became evident that it will be put to good use as he raced around the grounds with other children in attendance. In addition to awarding the chair, Heartland DSC members and guests relaxed and socialized while 46 children enjoyed fishing the private ponds on the property.

Our latest chair recipient is shown here with his family and Heartland DSC Board Members.

Published June 2024