Next weekend, six physically challenged bow hunters will make their way to Covington County for the first Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America Alabama deer hunt.

Organized by Red Level’s Dirk Price, an avid sportsman who is blind, the event will be held at Point A Lodge and the Alabama Archery Association’s bow range west of River Falls.

“We have been working hard to prepare for six challenged bow hunters to come to Covington County and experience a well-funded bow hunting trip to our area,” he said. “Several generous volunteers and donors are making this a first for Covington County.”

The hunters are Dale Cornetti from Pennsylvania; Dave Grace from New York; Roger Doctor from Michigan; Chuck Sporer from Maryland; Jason Mazanec from Texas and Dalton Hennigan from Alabama.

“The six lucky hunters are all members of the PCBA,” Price said. “Their names were drawn from a list of interested club members. Two are in wheel chairs, two have had strokes, one has a spinal injury and a local youth hunts with one arm.”

Price said each of the six hunters will have a volunteer guide for the three-day hunt to help with whatever is needed.

Price said that local landowners have planted food plots and are donating use of their property, and there’s a long list of individuals and businesses who have donated to help make the hunt possible.

“It’s amazing how people turn out around here – really all over the country,” he said. “It’s amazing to me how people open their hearts and wallets to disabled people. This isn’t for me. I’m giving back. I’ve been on three other hunts. Now, I’m giving back.”

Price said activities start with practice at the Alabama Archery Association bow range on Thursday afternoon around 2.

PowerSouth’s Point A Lodge will be used as a gathering point and for meals, he said.

“The hunters and their companions will enjoy a pulled pork barbecue dinner, a catfish dinner, which is donated by David’s Catfish House, a wild game dinner and another with southern fried chicken,” he said. “The family and friends of everyone who has contributed is invited to the Saturday night wild game dinner.”

It starts at 6 p.m.