Hearts in the Hunt

Illustration by Jordan McDowell, graphic design intern

 

After being struck by a drunk driver while checking his mailbox, eastern Iowa farmer Jack Dvorsky was forced into an early retirement. Although he was no longer able to keep up with his 650-acre farming operation, Jack refused to let his circumstances dull his love for the outdoors. Instead, he saw this as an opportunity to do more of what he loved — hunting and fishing — finding ways to adapt these activities.

“Having a disability doesn’t mean you have to forfeit the things you enjoy — you just might have to find a new way to do it. Still being able to hunt means everything to me. Everyone deserves to have that opportunity if they want it,” says Jack. 

Nearly twenty-three years after the accident, Jack is on a mission to ensure these kinds of opportunities are more readily available and accessible for others. 

“I’ve had a good life,” says Jack. “I want to give something back.” 

At the top of his list? Providing hunting areas specifically reserved for other hunters with disabilities.  

He already owned a significant amount of land, but its location in Johnson County, surrounded by areas that are rapidly being developed for housing, meant that it would not be ideal hunting grounds. It was time to get creative.

Typically the behind-the-scenes partner in the protection of parks, trails and wildlife areas, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation doesn’t often purchase land to own long-term or facilitate regular access opportunities with outside organizations. But chances for land protection show up in all sorts of ways, and INHF is always open to finding new methods of supporting both the land and the greater community. So, when Jack approached INHF with his dream and asked for suggestions on how to accomplish it, a mutually beneficial relationship began to form. 

“This partnership was a unique opportunity for us, one where we could meet multiple objectives,” says Joe McGovern, president of INHF. “Jack’s desire to provide opportunities for disabled hunters has meshed perfectly with INHF’s mission to protect and restore as much land as possible, and he’s enabled us to do that. None of us had to compromise.”

After several discussions and a lively ideation process, it was decided: Jack would donate his 346 acres of farmland to INHF with the expectation it would be sold and the proceeds used to protect more acreage in areas more suitable for hunting. This newly acquired land would be owned and managed by INHF and used exclusively for hunters with disabilities through partnerships with local organizations. Funds would also be set aside to faciliate hunts out of state in partnership with other organizations. 

When considering where to purchase this additional land, it became clear that south-central Iowa would be the most beneficial and efficient option. Compared to Johnson County where Jack resides, open land is both more abundant and more affordable in the southern part of the state, allowing for maximum protection and restoration made possible by Jack’s donation. The cherry on top? South-central Iowa has abundant white-tailed deer and Wild Turkey populations, making it an ideal hunting location. 

The partnership between Jack and INHF began less than a year ago in October of 2024, but the plan is already well on its way to fruition. Jack’s land donation is complete and the purchase and protection of additional properties in the southern part of the state has begun. 

As to the future of this newly acquired land, plans closely align with both Jack’s and INHF’s missions. 

“INHF will own and manage the land long term, working with other non-profit partners that will focus on facilitating the hunts,” says Ross Baxter, senior land protection director and counsel at INHF. 

INHF intends to partner with outside organizations that will plan, organize and execute group hunting excursions exclusively for people with disabilities. One such partnership is already underway with Paralyzed Veterans of America, who facilitated spring turkey hunts at the newly protected Dvorsky Hunting Area in Marion County.

While it is possible that INHF will host occasional public events on these properties such as nature hikes and volunteer workdays, regular access will be reserved for management crews and the organized hunts.  

Throughout this whole process, collaboration has been key. INHF has been able to take Jack’s land donation and turn it into considerably more protected acres, something that would not have been possible without his generosity. In return, INHF is ensuring there will be significant natural areas reserved especially for organized hunts that allow persons with disabilities a safe and bountiful hunting experience.