Georgia SCI and Partners Provide Opportunities During Annual Youth Deer Hunts
October 12, 2021
By Trevor W. Santos
The Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) and several partners, including the Foundation for Outdoor Kids, BPI Outdoors, and the High Adventure Company, took advantage of Georgia’s week-long Youth Firearms Season by hosting their annual Youth Deer Hunt. Fun, fellowship, and excitement ensued as nearly 20 kids gathered across two hunt locations – Milner Farm in Commerce and the Beretta Shooting Grounds in Kingston. This was the first hunting experience for each kid, 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.
Youth hunters, mentors, and volunteers gather in Commerce, Georgia at Milner Farm for one of our 2021 youth deer hunts.
The morning included educational discussions presented by Georgia Department of Natural Resources wildlife professionals, including wildlife biologists, game wardens, and hunting and shooting education specialists, along with Georgia SCI volunteers and employees from BPI Outdoors. 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. Rifles at Milner Farm were provided by Bergara and CVA, and the rifles used at the Kingston location were provided by the Foundation for Outdoor Kids.
“BPI is very fortunate to have such an active SCI chapter in our own backyard. We love being able to come out and assist with introducing new people into the sport we are all so passionate about – especially when they are eager kids,” said Nate Treadaway, CEO of BPI Outdoors. “The work being done by the Georgia Chapter of SCI will help preserve our hunting heritage and the shooting sports for generations to come.”
One youth hunter warms up by practicing with a .22 (Bergara) rifle before stepping up to a 6.5 creedmoor rifle provided by CVA.
After a full morning of learning and time on the range, the youth hunters went afield with their mentor for an afternoon deer hunt. Half of the youth hunters were successful - ending their hunt with a deer on the ground. A lifetime of memories was made for everyone involved.
“We at the Foundation for Outdoor Kids are so proud to partner with the Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International to host this event,” said David Smith, founder of the Foundation for Outdoor Kids. “For the kids, the event is all about fun and learning new things. And for the parents who attended, most of which have never hunted before either, it is also a very rewarding experience.”
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.
The annual Youth Deer Hunt was made possible by numerous SCI members and volunteers, and partners including Chad Milner of Milner Farm, the Foundation for Outdoor Kids, BPI Outdoors, Bergara, CVA, the High Adventure Company, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Habit Outdoors.
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About the Georgia Chapter of SCI
The Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to promoting and protecting our hunting heritage through education, conservation, and humanitarian efforts. Founded in 1981, the Georgia Chapter is one of the oldest SCI chapters in the world. Visit www.GeorgiaSCI.org for more information.