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Calhoun County Landowners Make Young Men's Hunt a Lasting Memory

Fla. - Four young men and their parents can now say they are full-fledged hunters after taking part in a deer hunt on two tracts of private land in Calhoun County.

The young men are recent graduates of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) 16-hour hunter safety program. They were treated to still-hunting for deer on Seldom Rest Plantation, a 640-acre parcel just off Highway 20, owned by Greg and Becky Williams.

They also got to experience what it's like to hunt deer with dogs on the 20,000-acre Bear Creek Sportsman's Club. Club president Charlie Wooten and several club members took the boys and their parents on an actual hunt, where they got to see and hear deer dogs run and how members keep up with their dogs using modern GPS technology.

FWC hunter safety coordinator Kenny Barker said the fundamental things they focused on were showing the young men how to hunt safely, legally and ethically.

Barker said three of the four boys harvested deer.

He said the mission of the youth hunting program of Florida is to increase the number of youths involved in mentored and safe hunting opportunities.

"Mentors, such as Greg and Becky Williams and Charlie Wooten, help the kids take part in hunts under the highest ethical standards," Barker said.

The FWC is always searching for landowners willing to allow youths to hunt deer, turkey, wild hogs, waterfowl or small game on their property. The FWC sponsors the hunts, and in most cases lodging, meals and mentors are provided.

Landowners who open their property for a weekend youth hunt are provided liability coverage. For more information, they can contact Barker at 850-413-0084. Information about the youth hunting program is available at MyFWC.com/huntersafety.

Media Contact:
Kenny Barker (850) 413-0084