Physically challenged deer hunt set for this month

Published 6:35 pm Friday, January 3, 2020

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The 4th Annual Alabama Physically Challenged Deer Hunt will be sponsored by the Andalusia Lions Club from January 17-19, 2020.

Hunt coordinator Dirk Price said the purpose of the hunt is to provide opportunity and enhance self-confidence for individuals with physical challenges, who are not able to go deer hunting without assistance or adaptive equipment.

“At least 15 qualified participants will be selected from applicants,” Price said. “Each hunter will be assigned a personal volunteer guide who will assist with individual needs. Practice and a safety meeting will be Friday afternoon. The hunt will be Saturday & Sunday. Several landowners are opening their prime deer hunting properties with well-managed food plots throughout Covington County.”

Meals will be provided, including a big wild game dinner on Saturday night.

Harvested deer will be cleaned for the hunters to take home. In addition to providing an opportunity for people to get outdoors and helping them overcome personal limitations, everyone will make new friends and enjoy a warm sense of camaraderie.

The Andalusia Lions Club is asking people to look in their community and identify anyone who might benefit from our project.

Serving those with vision loss and youth is in line with the mission of Lions, but all physical challenges will be welcome.

Applications are available and will be accepted until December 1.

Price said they could use volunteers, as well.

The schedule for the hunt is below:

Friday, January 17, 2020

A practice and Safety session will begin at 1:00 p.m., at the South Alabama Gun Club. Hunters will meet their volunteer guides who will be assisting with everyone’s individual needs.  We will go over safety rules. Everyone will have a chance to practice and make sure their weapon is sighted in before the hunt.  All of the guides will share their cell phone numbers so that communication is available at all times. We will practice as long as necessary.

Dinner will be at the Coleman Center in Andalusia around 6:30 p.m.  We will be having pulled pork barbecue and chili. An Alabama conservation officer will be available to answer any questions about Alabama game laws.  Alabama residents less than 16 or more than65 years old do not need a hunting license, however they will need a $15 bait license. Others who need a hunting license will need to go to Wal-Mart either before or after dinner so that we can purchase their licenses.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Predawn breakfast will be available at the Coleman Center starting around 4:30 a.m.  Coffee, orange juice, milk, biscuits, bacon, sausage, eggs, pastries, and fresh fruit will be available.  Hunters & guides should be heading to their stands by 5:30. The Coleman Center will be open all day to come in out of the weather or take a break.  Sandwiches, drinks, chips, and desserts will be available for lunch at the Coleman Center all day as needed. If you want a box lunch, let us know the night before so we can have it ready.  Any deer harvested will be processed for hunter to take home.

Saturday, starting at 7:30 p.m., there will be a big wild game dinner.  All hunters, volunteers, donors, and their families are invited. The menu will be whatever used to walk, crawl, fly, hop, or swim. Other dishes will be available for those who are not so daring. At the wild game dinner we will highlight the efforts of the Andalusia Lions Club and all of the contributors to this event.  Door prizes and gift bags will be given away.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Predawn breakfast and lunch available at the Coleman Center.  Volunteer guides will take out hunters. We have over 26 stands on well managed food plots scattered on at least 12 tracts of prime Covington County hunting property.  We may change the location of hunters depending on the weather and deer activity to give everyone a fair chance at harvesting a deer.

Sunday dinner will be at the Coleman Center around 6:30 p.m., after everyone gets in from the woods. The Covington County Miracle League will prepare a southern fried chicken dinner. Everyone will be recognized for their efforts. There may even be some lies told! By this time folks will have made new friends and seen how each has overcome their limitations to enjoy deer hunting in Alabama.

Monday, January 20, 2020

Morning check out for those staying in hotel.

Please contact the hunt coordinator if there are any dietary or other concerns.

Dirk Price/Hunt Coordinator, 5814 Wilson Dairy Road, Red Level, AL 36474

334-469-2016 (home phone and voice mail,) dirkp@centurytel.net (e-mail.)