Mitchell Ensor, who has Lou Gehrig's disease, bagged an Osceola gobbler last month in Florida to complete the turkey grand slam. (Photo courtesy of Mitchell Ensor)

OUTDOORS NOTEBOOKIn his wheelchair, hunter rolls along to a turkey slam

By Gary Garth
Special to The Courier-Journal





Mitchell Ensor of Lebanon Junction bagged an Osceola gobbler last month while hunting in Florida with Realtree pro staffer David Blanton.

The 20½-pound bird sported a 10-inch beard and 1½-inch spurs and completed Ensor's quest for the turkey grand slam (Eastern, Merriam's, Osceola and Rio Grande).



It also fulfilled a lifelong wish of the devoted hunter, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -- Lou Gehrig's disease -- a neurological illness that ultimately robs its victims of the use of all voluntary muscles. There's no known cure for ALS and no real treatment.

"I was lucky enough to get an Osceola and complete my grand slam," said Ensor, who was diagnosed with ALS 13 months ago. "I've really been blessed."

The blessings undoubtedly helped, but luck had little to do with his success in the field. Ensor, 39, has demonstrated a remarkable level of determination to continue hunting and fishing. And while the disease has progressed to the point that he now uses a motorized wheelchair, it hasn't kept him out of the woods.

After returning from Florida, Ensor bagged a 21-pound gobbler last Sunday while hunting in Russell County with Jeremy McQueary.

"I don't know how long I'm going to be able to hunt," he said, "but I'm going to hunt as long as God will let me."



Ensor's Florida hunt will be part of the "Realtree Outdoors" Aug. 5 edition on ESPN2.

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