GHFF Annual Benefit Hunt Raises Money To Protect Sportsmen’s Rights

First place in HGA (Highest General Average) was Mincey’s Big Show, owned by Wes Mincey (left). The second-place dog was Platinum, of South Bryan and Tubby.

The Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation (GHFF) held its 5th annual benefit hunt at the United Fox Pen in Swainsboro July 31-Aug. 1. The GHFF would like to thank Mr. Ronnie McMillan, owner, and his two assistants, Larry Boundren and Sonny Cerny, for the use of this fine pen.

This hunt is growing each year. All the hunt proceeds go to the GHFF LAC fund, which helps us keep our lobbyist, William Woodall, in Atlanta. He keeps us informed about all the bad stuff HSUS and PETA might try to get passed that could have a detrimental effect on all hunters, fishermen and outdoor sportsmen. 

I hope all of the hunters were well pleased with our hunt and will return next year. 

The bench show was held Friday evening at 7 p.m. Our bench show judge was Glen NeSmith, with ringmaster Andy Bedgood. They had their work cut out for them with 17 hounds to pick through in search of 10 top places in the male class and 24 females to choose from in that class. Glen and Andy did a fine job juding, and I didn’t hear any mumbling on the sideline benches. Thank you, guys.

The Male Bench Show winner was FL (B) CH Hagan’s Mountain Man out of Statelyne Kennel.

The kids handling class on the bench was so tight the judge finally had to give each kid a first place. The kids were tickled and excited with their first places. These kids are our future. Let’s not forget to carry them hunting and fishing when we go.

God blessed us with good weather both days of hunting. The dogs were cast at 6:20 a.m., and it wasn’t long before they were at full cry, which gave the judges a chance to get a lot of good scores. It was cloudy Saturday morning, and this helped the dogs stay cooler and not get tired as quickly, which made for better running throughout the five hours.

The top dog in the HGA (Highest General Average was Mincey’s Big Show, owned by Wes Mincey. 

HGA results included (dog and owner or kennel): second place Platinum/South Bryan and Tubby; third place Hopper’s Breezy/Hooper & Son Kennel. 

Category Winners Included

• Male Bench Show: FL (B) CH Hagan’s Mountain Man/Statelyne Kennel

• Female Bench Show: Royal’s Cadillac/Georgia July Kennel

• Endurance: Mincey’s Big Show/Wes Mincey

• Hunting: Jabo’s Muddy/Georgia July Kennel

The GHFF wouldn’t have had such a fine hunt if it wasn’t for Mr. and Mrs. Newton Fiveash, Jake and Ellen Patrick, Andy Bedgood, Wesley and Kim Fiveash, and their hardworking crew. Shows take a lot of hard work to put on, and they came through again this year in flying colors. Newton said it was the biggest hunt we’ve had thus far. Thanks to you guys and gals for all the help.

Thanks to all the judges who volunteered their time to help. Our judges came from several different counties and states at their own expense. They were fed well, with a good breakfast before the hunt, and again at dinner, thanks to Wesley and his crew. What can the GHFF say but thank you, thank you, for your support and time. 

Ronnie Gaskins had a pile of score sheets to figure before we got our Top-10 running dogs, so while waiting the crowd took part in an auction, raffle, and half-and-half draw. The ticket and raffle prizes consisted of dog food, dog collars, lead shanks, pictures, tables, rod and reels and gift certificates, which were donated by all our fine sponsors, which were: Johnson’s Dog Supply (Troy Johnson); Show Time Dog Feed from Mid South (Randy McGovern); Arabi Feed & Grain, Black Gold & Champion; Ivy Outdoor Southern States; Florida State Fox Hunters; Mike Carr Pride; Specialty Feed (Chuck Holland); Johnson’s Telemetry; Wild Life Telemetry; Magnum Telemetry; Midway Telemetry; Quick Track; and The Chase.

HGA third place was Hopper’s Breezy out of Hopper & Son Kennel in Brooklet.

Without the sponsors’ help, it would have been a mediocre show. The Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation wants to say again, thanks for all your donations and support each year.

Thank also to Reggie Dickey and Ronnie Gaskins for all the hard work they do for the GHFF, and, can you believe it, without pay. You need to thank them when you see them. We also had several Board directors who helped judge or worked at our trailer. You can always count on James and Sandra Gore to help with this.

The Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation is a grassroots organization that is committed to promoting the outdoor sports. GHFF was founded in September 2003 when  hunters and fishermen from all over Georgia organized and held a rally in Blackshear with nearly 5,000 folks in attendance. From this start, GHFF has formed local chapters all over the state. The GHFF has worked with the legislature and DNR to preserve and protect some age old hunting traditions and to implement some changes to improve hunting and encourage kids to get involved in outdoor sports.

William Woodall, the GHFF lobbyist, gave a very good talk during the annual benefit hunt. He asked the people to call their congressmen when support is needed on important issues. So help us keep the HSUS and PETA from taking away what we so dearly love. Call or e-mail when you are asked. Let’s not get caught with our head on the pillow sleeping. Amen!

Until next time, God bless, and good hunting.

For more information on GHFF and their efforts to protect and represent true sportsmen in Georgia, go online to gh-ff.org.