Man Drives for end of deer season

The man drivers who pushed this doe towards my stand in 2009

Deer hunters of the Lowcountry will be trying to squeeze in an extra day in the field during the last two weeks of the year. Work schedules may bend to fit in a half-day in the office of the outdoors or what Sunday a.m. sportsmen call the "cathedral of nature." Gathering friends together for a man drive can produce memorable action, and may also serve as the only way to hunt thickets known to hold deer. Family time and church attendance during Christmas are imperative for spiritual nourishment of course, but the pull of a deer hunt in open woodlands will provide a healthy option for sport.
Those hoping to conduct a man drive should remember to wear blaze orange, and to do enough hollering so that everyone knows your position. The deer do not get up and run because of noise most of the time, rather it is more a matter of proximity, so always use your full voice for the benefit of safety. Man drivers are often happy in their work of walking the woodlands, and the memories they create validate outdoor traditions as a worthy part of the holidays.

Three woods walkers ready to push through dwarf palmettos

Regrouping while deep in the woods, to draw up the next plan

To read my feature article on man driving for deer during the holidays click Charleston Mercury.

To view past blog entries about man drives for deer click here.