2012 SCI Wounded Warrior Deer Hunt - Day One

Three Wounded Warriors harvest FIVE does

Hunt host Allen Bell is happy after the hunt

The Lowcountry Chapter of Safari Club International conducted the 8th annual Wounded Warrior deer hunt on Oct. 15. Based out of Nemours Plantation, about 30 U.S. servicemen fanned out with their guides throughout the Lowcountry Outdoors, and into deer stands on private plantations in Colleton and Beaufort Counties. An inspirational talk by the Commander of Parris Island Marine Base preceeded a catered meal served to the troops that was prepared by the chefs from Bray's Island Plantation. With many soldiers on leave from duty in Afghanistan present, this is a prime opportunity for sportsmen in the Lowcountry to grab them by the hand, look them in the eye and thank them wholeheartedly for their service to America. These are the 1% who take action abroad so that the 99% of Americans can enjoy uninterrupted freedom. It was an honor to be part of the hunter assistance team at Deux Cheneaux Plantation in Green Pond which hosted three Wounded Warrior hunters. The deer stands selected for these special guests had been 'held out' so that they would have the best possible chance at success. In the case of all three hunters, it had been at least two years since harvesting a deer. One was armed with a proper deer, rifle, one with a shotgun loaded with slugs, and one serviceman simply carried his AR gun. All three were armed with a love for America and an appreciation for the setting that hunt host and veteran Allen Bell had prepared for them. The shots began ringing out about 5:30 when one hunter had six does come to a feeding station, so he picked out the largest doe and used his .270 rifle to drop her in her tracks. The other two hunters also shot exceptionally well, harvesting two does apiece! When the hunter assistance team picked the hunters and their doe harvests up from their deer stands at dark, everyone was excited. Back at the barn, the does were weighed and then loaded up and taken to Nemours Plantation where the SCI Chapter had a cleaning and processing station set up. With a second hunt set to take place on Tuesday morning, there are sure to be some more great memories upcoming for these visiting servicemen.

To view past blog entries from the SCI Wounded Warrior deer hunt click here.

Marine Color Guard at the SCI hunt

Teaching deer data management with the servicemen