On June 7th and 8th 2024 True Impact Outdoors (TIO) hosted one of its annual prairie dog hunts for disabled veterans. This event included two days of Prairie dog hunting at both long and short range distances. The event culminated with a long range shoot.
These events are designed to be fun, therapeutic, and give disabled vets an opportunity they may not have otherwise. The environment builds camaraderie and confidence.
Two of the veterans that participated were visually impaired. Vision issues can, at the very least, interfere with any kind of shooting sport. However, TIO supplied rifles and adaptive equipment that allowed them to be behind the gun while being guided onto the target with a spotter. Between the two shooters, they took down over 20 prairie dogs.
One of them said that it was the first time he had shot in over 13 years. (When he went blind). The prairie dog hunting was awesome, but when they started shooting steel at distance it was something else. EchoGong sponsored the event by providing their revolutionary new acoustical targets for the shoot. These targets are unique because they ring like a bell when hit by a projectile, making them much easier to hear, even when shooting small calibers at long distances.
The sound echoed back telling the shooter where on the target they hit. It was a fantastic experience to witness. The spotter assisted the vet dialing in on a gong at 385 yards and letting him know he was on target for the shot.
As soon as the target started to ring from the shot, they both turned bearing the biggest smile on their faces and he was so excited to know that he hit the target. The instant feedback was a game changer for him, and he said that it was the furthest shot he had ever made.
He went on to say that he liked the hunting part but nothing compared to shooting the EchoGong because he was able to experience it first hand, as it happened and knew in the moment that he hit the target.
Both visually impaired Veterans expressed their appreciation and mentioned what a huge impact that the event and Echogong had made on their lives.
