Georgia SCI Takes Veterans Hunting

“The United States of America is the greatest country on earth. This deer hunt is our way of saying, “Thank you for your service and your sacrifice!” said Dick Caillouet, Chairman of Veteran Events for the Georgia Chapter of SCI.

Eleven wounded veterans from across Georgia came together to Twiggs County for the annual Georgia Chapter of SCI Wounded Veteran Deer Hunt on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, 2023. The day started at noon with a warm welcome and introductions. Following a fantastic lunch that included pulled pork sandwiches, some great sides and dessert, the veterans were then introduced to the local game warden. Corporal Jason Bennett discussed local game laws and showed the guys how to download the “Go Outdoors Georgia” mobile app so they would know how to record their harvest.

The Georgia Chapter of SCI provided each veteran with a backpack full of hunting essentials like a flashlight and orange vest, some snacks for the time in the stand, and some swag including a Georgia SCI logo tee shirt, ball cap, and a beautiful long sleeve shirt custom stitched by Kathleen Kelly of Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear & Apparel in Thomasville.

Following a safety briefing, the veterans received a review of proper shot placement, and then the guys headed over to the rifle range to confirm zero on each of their rifles.

After confirming accuracy, the guys had an opportunity for fellowship. There were lots of laughs as everyone told stories about their time in the service. Right before heading out the hunters were given final instructions and read their “mission” with the theme song of Mission Impossible playing in the background. Full of satire and sarcasm, this just kept the laughter going as they headed out to the blind.

During the hunt, which was conducted on three separate but neighboring properties, three of the hunters were able to successfully harvest a deer. Upon their return to camp, the veterans were provided dinner and the deer were taken to Thomas Deer Processing in Macon. The Georgia Chapter of SCI covers the cost of the processing so the venison could be returned to the hunter where he and his family and friends can consume the meat.

An overnight stay at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Macon provided a good night’s rest.

The next morning those hunters who did not harvest a deer were given an opportunity to return for a “second chance” morning hunt. One additional deer was added to the harvest.

Unfortunately, the time afield was cut short because of weather. In spite of the slow deer movement and threatening weather, all of the veterans had a good time and recognized the effort that was being put forth to thank them for their service. “I really needed this! I had a great time!” said one of the veterans.

The Georgia Chapter of SCI is committed to honoring our veterans and this is just one of many events the Chapter does every year. If you would like to be involved or be a part of one of these events, find us on the web at gasci.org

Special thanks goes out to the numerous volunteers who made this event possible including Game Warden Cpl. Jason Bennett, The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Thomas Deer Processing in Macon, Fairfield Inn in Macon, Matt Scales, David Austin, Kevin and Kathleen Kelly of Kevin’s Guns and Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear & Apparel, and Keith Barnes for providing all the food.