Pennsylvania Disabled Hunters Program

About Us

The Pennsylvania Disabled Hunters Program was founded by members of the United Bowhunters of PA. Ernie Kramer's vision in 1999 has grown into an organization that sends approximately 10 hunters per year on fully paid guided hunts across North America and South Africa.

 

Ernie presented his idea to the UBP leadership in 1999 and gained approval to move forward, and the "United Bowhunters of PA Disabled Hunters Program" was formed. Ernie was encouraged by David Sullivan of Buckmasters Disabled Hunter Services. They agreed to supply a hunt if Ernie could come up with the funds for the transportation to the hunt. The Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America (PCBA) and Buckmasters supplied the applications that first year. Each year the program grew a little and before long, a dedicated committee was formed. The program currently sends at least ten disabled hunters on hunts each year. The program is funded primarily from the proceeds from our yearly fund raising banquet. The banquet has become one of the premiere sportsmen events in the area, typically selling out each year at around 300 attendees.

 

In May of 2023, the DHP committee decided to incorporate in its pursuit to form and grow as a non-profit charity. The Pennsylvania Disabled Hunters Program was created as a corporation, and late in November 2023, was granted its non-profit status pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.

 

To view our IRS Determination Letter, please click here:
DHP IRS Determination Letter Announcement

 

 

Meet the PA Disabled Hunters Program members:

Board of Directors:

Dan Smoker - President

Steve Koch - Vice President

Sherry Whitmoyer - Secretary

Jodi Ganster - Treasurer

Dick Koch - Director

Darryl Neidlinger - Director

Brian Fidler - Director

 

Hunt Coordinator - OPEN

Acting Hunt Coordinator - Dan Smoker

 

Banquet Committee:

Dan Smoker - Chairman

Steve Koch - Fundraising Development and Banquet Registration

Brenda Koch - Banquet Registration

Dick Koch - Firearms Coordinator

Jamie Lovens - Banquet Auctioneer

Amy Neidlinger - Ladies Raffle Coordinator

Darryl Neidlinger - Bow Raffle Coordinator

Patty Frey - Banquet Program Booklet Designer

Jake Longley - Banquet Video Producer

Brian, Kim and Cody Fidler - Sportsmans Raffle Coordinators

Daryl, Betty and Wade Wetzel

Chris and Levi Naylor

Chris Carter

Sherry and Austin Whitmoyer

Josh Lapointe

Rob Steltz

Andy Kazmierczak

Jodi Ganster

Jim Whisner

Perry Hartmann

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pennsylvania Disabled Hunters Program is a non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. Tax ID: 93-2803287