2014 QDMA ACE Basin branch banquet

Nicole Garris and Donna Hamilton with QDMA volunteers

Collectible knife on auction

The fifth annual ACE Basin branch banquet of the Quality Deer Management Association was held Friday April 11 at the Walterboro armory. Jimmy Fitts catering brought roast beef, shrimp and grits, friend fish and jalapeno poppers to the dinner table, and I washed it down with some sweet tea. One vendor was in attendance and Cordray's Taxidermy brought a display of critters that included an otter that people wanted to touch - so obviously that furbearer has educational value. Others wanted to talk about the big bucks from last year, while some prefer to discuss food plots. Of course the silent auction and raffles demanded everyone's attention, before the auctioneer in the 10-gallon cowboy hat took over and drove the bidding up for items like knives, deer hunts, guns, coolers and sporting accessories for ranch and home life. Donna Hamilton was in attendance and told me how glad she was that a large contingent of youth from their Rack Pack club was at the banquet. Thanks to Guy Harvey Inc. for partnering with Lowcountry Outdoors in an effort to raise awareness about marine conservation. Whether it be on land or at sea, conservation is the key to the future of our outdoor heritage.

To view past blog entries from the ACE Basin branch of QDMA click here.

American flag and QDMA

Guy Harvey print; deer hunt on live auction