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Youth hunt clears range

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Holly Brown
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
POINSETT RANGE, S.C. --  Fifteen eager children, from South Carolina, checked in at noon at Poinsett Electronic Combat Range Nov. 10. Normally filled with the sound of explosions, soaring F-16 CJs or any of the other air-to-ground airframes utilizing the range, Poinsett was a venue of relaxation and tranquility for some on this particular Saturday. 

The children, dressed in camouflage with rifles slung over their shoulders, came to participate in the annual youth hunt, which is held at the range every November. 

The hunt is free for children 10 to 17-years-old and one of their parents or guardians. 

"We try to make it more of a family-outing atmosphere," said Ronnie June, Natural and Cultural Resources wildlife manager. "And the youth are more comfortable with their parents." 

The hunt is a raffle, organized by the Department of Natural Resources. Shaw provides the property and clears the range schedule for the hunters. 

"If we get 60 applications, 15 are randomly selected by the computer," said Willie Simmons, DNR wildlife biologist. 

The hunters gathered around Mr. June as he gave a safety brief; including a prop deer with balloon lungs and heart, which he aimed at with a fishing rod. After the briefing, he cleared the hunters to head to the firing range for practice and further instruction. 

After a few practice rounds, the hunters checked their targets and headed back to the briefing area to get final instruction before venturing out to their tree stands. 

"The deer hunt is the easiest and safest to organize," Mr. June said. "We already have the stands up, so we know where they are at all times. It's also safe because they are in an elevated area the entire time." 

The hunters gather around Mr. June for further instruction. 

"You are allowed to shoot two deer. One buck and one doe, or two does," Mr. June said. "If you shoot a deer, don't get out of the stand to follow it. We will look for it when the trucks come to pick you up." 

If there are any kills, the deer are aged, weighed and tagged right on site and they are free for the hunters to take home. 

Each child drew a marker designating the area they would be hunting in. 

"The most exciting part is when you see a deer and you're getting ready to shoot," said Hunter Santiago, son of Carla Santiago and youth hunt participant. 

The hunters loaded up in three different trucks and took off for their stands along the perimeter of the range. 

After three hours, the hunters were picked up with one kill. One of the children shot a two-point buck. 

Applications for next year's hunt are due by October and can be accessed online at www.dnr.sc.gov.