Arizona’s Dan Ferraro wins National Volunteer Award
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Arizona NWTF State Chapter board member Dan Ferraro was presented the Wheelin’ Sportsmen Volunteer of the Year Award from the National Wild Turkey Federation during the NWTF’s 49th annual Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.
“I have to admit, I’m shocked,” Ferraro said. “I had no idea they were going to nominate me for this, and I don’t know what to say. And not knowing what to say is never usually a problem. I just want to do things to help encourage people to get out and do things that they may not even think is possible. That’s my whole goal. Recognition isn’t anything I ever expected, but it was a nice surprise.”
Ferraro helps support the NWTF’s Wheelin’ Sportsmen program by buying memberships for people with disabilities. Ferraro lost his eyesight after a car wreck, and when he recovered, he wanted to help others who may have had similar experiences.
Ferraro founded No Excuse Hunting and Outdoors, a nonprofit organization, as a way to reach out to other people with disabilities and to show them that there is no excuse not to go out and enjoy the outdoors. His nonprofit has partnered with the NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen program on events like the Arizona Wheelin’ Sportsmen pig hunt in Northern Arizona, an elk hunt in New Mexico, dove hunts, a javelina hunt near Gila Bend, Arizona, and a fishing event in Gilbert, Arizona. He has also raised money to take disabled sportsmen hunting in Oklahoma for the last four years. All of these events promote conservation and foster a love for the outdoors. He ensures that every participant leaves with renewed hope that they can enjoy the outdoors.
“Dan approaches every aspect of his life with the goal of helping others learn to work around the difficulties of their disability,” said Roy Crain, NWTF Arizona State Chapter president, in his nomination of Ferraro.
Ferraro partnered with Bass Pro Shops in Phoenix a few years ago to have an expo that was geared toward helping people with disabilities get involved with organizations like the Arizona Wheelin’ Sportsmen, which help them getting outside to hunt and fish.
“Dan’s love for sharing the outdoors and breaking down barriers is admirable,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “We know that it often takes someone illustrating that barriers can be broken, and after that, hunters gain an immense amount of confidence in engaging in outdoor pursuits, regardless of their disability. Dan is a prime example of someone who helps provide opportunities and builds confidence, and he loves doing it.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.