GON Kids

I had the privilege of attending this year’s Robert Veal Memorial Youth Coon Hunt in Deepstep on Jan. 25. This annual coon hunt is held in remembrance of Robert Veal, a local man known for his superb trapping skills.

“Church, family and the outdoors is how he lived his life—in that order,” said Rusty Rhodes, of Sandersville, who organizes the annual event.

Rusty started this hunt six years ago, and it’s been a tradition that the event includes a supper, and they invite a Christian speaker to share a devotion before going coon hunting. This year’s event fed 220 people, and 90 kids got to go coon hunting.

The event also includes an auction. Money raised provides some Washington County youth with $500 college scholarships. With $3,500 raised this year, seven high-school seniors will receive money. To be in the running for the money, teens must have a B average, hunt, fish and write an essay.

The coon hunt is open to the public and will take place next January. For more information, call Rusty Rhodes at (478) 232-2559.

GON Kids Calendar of Events

Date                         Event                       Location                                       Contact Phone
3/07-08    Truth in Nature Archery Shoot     Douglas Co., Hudson’s              (404) 374-4228
3/08         GON Truck-Buck Scoring             Tift Co., Tifton                         (800) 438-4663
3/08         NWTF JAKES Turkey Classroom    Lowndes Co.                           (229) 740-0057
3/14         NWTF JAKES Learn To Call           Lowndes Co.                           (229) 740-0057
3/15         NWTF JAKES Turkey Hunt            Lowndes Co.                           (229) 740-0057
3/14-16    30-30 Ministries’ Turkey Camp     Bleckley Co., Cochran               3030ministries.org
3/15-16    Youth Turkey Season                  Statewide                                (770) 918-6400
3/28-30    NWTF Hunt & Learn Turkey         Chatham Co., Savannah NWR    (843) 784-9911
3/28-30    30-30 Ministries’ Trout Camp       Habersham Co., Clarkesville     3030ministries.org
3/28-30    30-30 Ministries’ Crappie Camp    Crisp Co., Lake Blackshear       3030ministries.org

To add a youth event to the calendar for free, e-mail date, event, location and contact information to Brad at [email protected] or call (800) 438-4663.