Shhhhh! There's a buck over

there! Come a little closer. BANG! Got him!

That was the scene very often this past weekend at the Crenshaw Christian Academy-sponsored Deer Hunt.

The annual hunt is held every third weekend in January and is the largest fundraiser sponsored by the school.

The event is a mutual effort of school staff, parents of students, school supporters, as well as local businesses, churches and schools.

The hunt started three years ago as an experiment. From a meager beginning of 19 hunters, the hunt doubled to 38 last year and increased this year to a whopping 63 hunters with 30 more on a waiting list. The only thing holding back an even larger increase is finding land to hunt and guides for the hunters.

According to Hal Williams, spokesman for the hunt, the event attracts people from all over the eastern half of the U.S., including 15 from New York this year.

Here's how it works: the school advertises for six months on the Buckmaster Web site. Interested hunters must pre-register and submit half the cost up front. They are also responsible for arranging for their own lodging, thereby helping our local motels by bringing in out-of-town money. This past weekend, most of our motels were booked solid.

On the scheduled day, hunters arrive for orientation at 1 p.m., going over local and safety rules. Each hunter is then assigned a local guide and location before beginning the afternoon hunt. Three-day licenses may also be purchased on site if needed.

Dinner is at 7 p.m. Friday night, and the hunters are treated to grilled steaks and all the trimmings. Afterwards, a time of fellowship is shared by all before a drawing is held to determine pairings for Saturday.

The next day, an all-day hunt takes place before meeting at the school at 7 p.m. for a southern-style catfish feast and all that goes with it.

Following the meal, pairing drawings are held once again for Sunday morning's hunt. Following a much needed night's sleep, the hunters complete their final hunt with many goodbyes before heading home.

One hunter said that even though the hunt is great fun, the local hospitality and the fellowship shared by the hunters and volunteers are just as inviting.

According to Williams, several local churches are involved as well as volunteers from Luverne High School and Brantley High School.

&#8220It's a great opportunity for the community to pull together and work toward a common goal,” Williams said. &#8220There are so many people involved that it would be impossible to name them all. However, there are three of our major community partners that I must mention: Cook Chevrolet, Pepsi Cola and attorney Mike Jones. Their

generosity is greatly appreciated. We sincerely thank all the local food outlets, supermarkets, restaurants and others for all of their help.”

On Monday morning, a check with Athletic Director Roland Jones revealed that the event was a huge success. Everyone had a great time, enjoyed the good ole' southern hospitality and cooking, and are looking forward to next year.

It appears that nearly everyone got a buck for a buck, including CCA!