Hunting Club Hosts Special Hunting Weekend For Cancer Patient

On opening weekend of the 2014 Georgia archery season, the Buckeye Hunting Club of Oglethorpe County hosted an Outdoor Dream Foundation hunt.

The Outdoor Dream Foundation is a non-profit organization that grants outdoor adventures to children who have been diagnosed with terminal or life-threatening illnesses.

On Sept. 12, 9-year-old Austin Scott, of Pelzer, S.C., and his parents, Marty and Leigh Anne, arrived for a weekend of hunting.

Austin has been diagnosed with brain cancer and is currently undergoing treatments.

Thanks to Senate Bill 309, known as Taylor’s Law, that went into effect July 1, 2012, Austin was able to obtain a special permit that allowed him to hunt with his rifle before Georgia’s gun season.

After settling into their camper for the weekend, Austin and his dad changed into camo for an afternoon hog hunt. Although they saw three hogs, Austin was unable to get a shot.

On Saturday morning, Austin and his dad sat in a ground blind where numerous bucks and does had been caught on trail cameras. Unfortunately, due to heavy fog and low visibility, no deer were seen. Later that afternoon, Austin and his dad Marty were set up in a two-man tripod stand overlooking a millet field that deer had been feeding in all summer. Austin was able to kill two deer, one being a nice 5-point buck that was still in velvet. Austin was very happy, and it was a special day for everyone who was involved.

Saturday night a special supper was held at Danny and Nancy Brownlow’s 4-Star Plantation in Carlton. More than 60 people were in attendance to show their support. Members of Buckeye Hunting Club sold raffle tickets on a Savage Combo deer rifle. A ticket was drawn by Austin, and the winner was notified. The winner of the rifle chose to give the rifle to Austin. After selling tickets and receiving other donations, more than $5,300 was collected and given to Austin and his family.

On Oct. 11, Austin and his dad came back to hunt with Buckeye again and were able to kill a doe. During his visit, Austin met with Hugh Bryant of Antler Creations Taxidermy of Lavonia. Hugh donated a shoulder mount of Austin’s velvet buck.

Buckeye Hunting Club would like to thank the Outdoor Dream Foundation for the opportunity to host a hunt and giving us a chance to meet an amazing young man, Austin. Also, a special thanks to everyone who made this weekend a success.

If you or your club would like to host a hunt, visit outdoordreamfoundation.org, or contact ODF’s Brad Jones at (864) 617-3641.