Georgia SCI Takes Kids Hunting
October 15, 2023
ROCKMART, GA – The Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) partnering with the Foundation for Outdoor Kids took advantage of Georgia’s Youth Firearms Season by hosting their annual Youth Deer Hunt this past Sunday, October 15, 2023. Six youth hunters met at the Truth in Nature headquarters in Rockmart, Georgia for a day of fun and learning about hunting and the outdoors. This was the first hunting experience for each young hunter, and in most cases, their parent or guardian. The annual Youth Deer Hunt is one of the numerous events hosted by the Georgia Chapter of SCI in its efforts to recruit new hunters and shooters.
The morning included educational discussions presented by Georgia Department of Natural Resources wildlife professionals, including wildlife biologist Kevin Rose, game wardens Chad Cox and Daniel Gray, and hunting and shooting education specialist David Dockery. The youth hunters learned about deer biology, wildlife conservation, game laws and regulations, hunting, and firearm safety. Following lunch, they spent time at the shooting range, learning to shoot both rimfire and centerfire rifles.
Before heading out to the woods for an afternoon of deer hunting, attendees heard from David Smith, the founder of the Foundation for Outdoor Kids, as he presented “What’s in my Backpack?” David had each child take something out of his hunting backpack and described how each item would be used while afield hunting. After the demonstration, each youth was given their own backpack with a few items to use while in the field including an orange vest, binoculars, a flashlight, Georgia SCI hat, and scent cover spray. This was just part of the overall educational experience for the new youth hunter. After the classroom discussions and time on the range, the youth hunters went afield with their parent and hunting guide for an afternoon deer hunt. Three of the hunters were successful in taking their first deer, but each new hunter, guardian, and mentor made a lifetime of memories.
“My son and I had an absolute blast. Even though he didn’t get a deer, he enjoyed himself so much, I can see him wanting to get into hunting and go again!” said one of the parents.
As with previous Youth Deer Hunts, the Georgia Chapter of SCI covers all costs associated with the processing of each deer and returns the venison to the hunter’s family for consumption. A special thanks to Keith Vann at “The Deer Cooler” for processing the venison.
The annual Youth Deer Hunt was made possible by numerous SCI members and volunteers, and partners including the Foundation for Outdoor Kids, Eric Wallace and the Wallace Family, Adventure Outdoors, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
If you or your organization would like to do donate or partner with the Georgia Chapter of SCI to do a similar youth, adult, or veteran event, please contact us at gasafariclub@gmail.com.