Meeting and greeting at Final Flight were (from left) Michael Waddell, Schwahn, Dylon, Nick Mundt and Travis “T-Bone” Turner.

The trip is estimated at nearly $25,000. But for Martin Fire Chief Russell Schwahn and his son, Dylon, all expenses are paid, thanks to a contest sponsored by Scentblocker®.
Schwahn said when he first heard the news on Leap Day he had won an all-expenses paid trip for a week sport hunting in the plains of Africa, he thought his friends had pulled a good prank on him.
Although it was no prank, Schwahn can’t seem to quit smiling when he talks about it.
“I am still in shock. This is unreal. I still don’t think I’ll believe it until I step foot off the plane in Africa,” Schwahn said.
For those people who think on-line sweepstakes are just a dream because of seemingly insurmountable odds, Schwahn’s Facebook clicks managed to pay off, landing him the hunting trip of a lifetime. There were an estimated 40,000 people who entered the Scentblocker African Hunt contest.
The grand prize package includes a seven-day, eight-night hunt in Africa with legendary big-game hunters “Bone Collectors” Michael Waddell and Scott Schultz.
Schwahn and his son Dylon, will also be flown to South Africa, where they will have the luxury of staying at Wintershoek Johnny Vivier Safaris lodging in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Wintershoeck owns more than 110,000 acres and provides some of the world’s most-renowned big-game hunting safaris.
While on the trip, the father and son will have the opportunity to hunt plains game animals (antelope-type game) including Kudu, Gemsbok, Impala, Zebra, Blesbok, Springbuck, Warthog, Red Hardebeest and Blue and Black Wildebeest.
As if the excitement about having a chance to snag foreign game wasn’t enough, two television personalities with the Outdoor Channel – Larry Smith and Bob Richardson – will join the Schwahns on their African safari hunt while a camera crew films spots for three hunting shows expected to air later on the Outdoor Channel.
Schwahn said the grand prize also includes the furnishing on weapons and ammunition during the trip as well as the cost of trophy fees.
There will be approximately 17 hunters joining the safari hunt that week.
Schwahn and Dylon will leave the states July 13 and come home July 23.
The Martin fire chief will be taking off the day after his departure from the Martin Fire Department. Schwahn joined the department 15 years ago and was named chief in 2006. He and his family are moving away to be closer to his wife’s family.

WCP 6.21.12