DISABLED OUTDOORSMEN USA – THE HEALING POWER OF THE OUTDOORS - Kendall County Wild Game Dinner Magazine

“Every day we try to further our mission to empower individuals to know the healing power of the outdoors. It takes an army of people to make that happen and we plan to form that army!” – Weston Jenkins, Founder, Disabled Outdoorsmen USA

 The inspiration behind creating the local nonprofit organization Disabled Outdoorsmen USA was Jenkins’ cousin TJ who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. Growing up with TJ, Jenkins saw the difficulties he had just trying to get through a daily routine. Taking him on hunts and seeing how he enjoys being outdoors has been the catalyst for growing the organization’s mission.

 “The mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to experience the joy of nature. Through our inclusive approach and unwavering support, we’re fostering a community where everyone is valued and celebrated for who they are. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or new to adventure, you’ll find a welcoming home among us.”

 Disabled Outdoorsmen USA coordinates group hunts and fishing outings a couple of times a month for any person with a disability. The trips serve to get the participant back into the outdoors and take on activities they thought they would never do again. With the help of guides and volunteers with experience working with the disabled, the participants enjoy what they thought might be an impossible feat. Not only do the participants deal with their physical disability, the mental state is often at risk as well. The wonder of being outdoors and being active helps with their mindset. When they see others in the same condition as themselves it helps them make friends and encourages future communication … camaraderie at its best.

In September 2023, Disabled Outdoorsmen USA hosted a fishing tournament in North Carolina. One participant stated he never thought he’d get back on a fishing boat fighting a redfish after his accident. For safety purposes, he was strapped down in the bow of the boat which enabled him to enjoy the outing without fear of injury. At least two participants from each chapter of the organization, along with ten fishing guides in ten boats made the outdoor adventure a success.

 For one-day or overnight hunting outings, they can host up to 35 people including some family members of the participants. Jenkins explains that making the outing a family affair helps build good memories that can help keep the participants motivated to continue to enjoy the outdoors. The organization will host individuals or small groups as well. Participants learn about Disabled Outdoorsmen USA through the website or by referrals.

 Strictly a grassroots effort from the start, Jenkins has a circle of supporters from his land and ranch real estate associates and clients, both in monetary donations as well as lending the property for hunts. When he was a sophomore at Texas State University, San Marcos, he sold insurance and every dollar he made went into Disabled Outdoorsmen USA. He worked with a nonprofit attorney to set up the organization. To date, the participants do not pay for any of the outings or travel expenses. An annual banquet in February brings in funds needed to support the organization. The banquets have attracted more attendees each year – from 200 the first year to over 650 this year, raising over $450,000 this year alone.

 isabled Outdoorsmen USA has expanded from Texas to other states: Utah, South Carolina, Minnesota and Alabama. After a hunt in Utah around the fire, the people helping out loved what Jenkins was doing and decided to start a chapter in that state. An outdoorsman in Minnesota heard about the organization and its mission and, not liking the direction the group he was associated with was going, he started a chapter as well. “A young man in Alabama was real hungry to start a chapter after seeing posts on social media so we offered him support to get started with a compensation program,” explained Jenkins. Jenkins offers the chapters benefits like use of the pro-bono CPA firm and the Weil Legal firm. He tells the story that he was on a plane with the partner from Weil Legal who immediately offered his services free-of-charge to the organization after learning about its mission and purpose.

 Jenkins has a passion for the real estate industry. With Texas Land Men he connects people to farm and ranching, not just selling the property but selling a lifestyle. “I lived the lifestyle so I can guide clients a little bit.” He was acknowledged as the 30 Under 30 top sales agent in the US and received this prestigious award in 2023. In 2023 he was also listed in the Top 5 sales agents in the San Antonio Business Journal. Jenkins comes by his experience and love of real estate naturally. His grandfather started a real estate brokerage company in Beaumont in the late 1970s … Jenkins' love of the industry started there.

 What’s next for Disabled Outdoorsmen USA? A big goal Jenkins is striving for is to purchase land and create a DOUSA Ranch. He envisions a handicap-accessible ranch for people in Texas with all types of disabilities. The idea would be to have camps throughout the year, offering hunts, fishing, skeet shooting, and a free range for participants to gain a purpose with working on the ranch or just enjoying the outdoors. He has contacted Governor Abbott about setting up a state-wide benefits plan to assist the disabled while working on the ranch. 

Until that time, Jenkins will continue to promote this outstanding nonprofit and work with clients to host hunts on their sites. His license plate, DOUSA, generates a lot of questions and interest in the program. For more information, go to the website at www.disabledoutdoorsmen.com.

Disabled Outdoorsmen USA

Boerne TX, 78006

830-796-0893