2006 Ultimate Kids Hunt
The
2006 Ultimate Kids HUnt was special to 11 lucky kids.This year we had kids from California, Illinois, Indinia New York, South
Carolina and North Carolina.
In early 2005, seven men got together
and formed a new non-profit organization called Hunters Helping Kids, Inc. One man, Chris Hatley, had a vision years ago to
make this dream become a reality. With the help of Billy Baucom, Bob Cansler, Dale Dodson, Sean Radford, Johnny Riley and
Tommy Smith Hunters Helping Kids came to life in April of 2005. It took a lot of hard work and determination but the 2005
Hunt came to pass in great fashion.
In August of 2006 a total of
eleven lucky kids were chosen to enjoy the Hunters Helping Kids Ultimate Kids Hunt.
All
the youth and a host of volunteers gathered at Coats Grove Fire and Rescue in Coats, N.C. to hunt on R.D. Lee Farms in Erwin.
Denny Lee, his wife Ann, son Brian and son-in-law Terry Avery were the hosts for this hunt. They have an 800 acre tobacco,
sweet potato and soy bean farm were the hunt was to be held for the second year.
The
Kids and families came in on Thursday November 9th with anticipation of a great hunt on this beautiful North Carolina farm.
The Kids and families were treated to supper at the Lee farm in preparation for a fun and educational Friday, getting ready
to hunt on Saturday. On Friday morning after breakfast the kids went to the farm where a rifle range had been set up to check
their Savage 243 rifles for Saturdays hunt. All the kids shot exceptionally well and were excited about what was to come.
After the sight-ins were completed, the kids received all the clothes for the
hunt to try on plus day packs, binoculars, flashlights and many more accessories to insure a great deer hunt.
After a Pizza lunch and the best DESERTS From New York prepared by Mrs. Dick Worden.
We all were treated to a great afternoon of safety education and a fun skeet shooting time with Wildlife Hunter Safety Education
Specalist Kivin Crabtree. All of the kids most of the mothers and a few other select kids tried their luck at skeet shooting.
The following morning
came quickly as everyone was to meet at 4:30 am for a light breakfast then off to the stands. It was great day for the kids
not to cold, sunny and fun to come. As the sun rise came a few shots rang out. By 9:30 most were back at the farm to show
and tell with a very successful morning hunt. All looking forward to the evening hunt.
Back
at Coats Fire Department a big hearty breakfast awaited all. This year we were all lucky to have our food prepared by Leon
Nixon Catering from Edenton N.C. Scott and his wife from Leons came and spent the weekend, cooked and enjoyed the kids hunt.
Soon it was lunchtime
and Sam Allman was in charge cooking up his famous Brunswick stew for everyone. When we asked about his recipe, as usual,
it was a secret. We also had BBQ chicken cooked by Ivey Cline and the Cline sons. Withh out a doubt the best chicken ever.
After lunch and a short break, it was back to the tree stands for the evening hunt.
The weather was clear for the afternoon hunt. Again as the sun set, a few shots began to ring out. As darkness fell, the kids
and their guides and parents came in to display the deer they had killed. After pictures and stories, it was off to the Fire
Department for supper and more prizes, awards and an auction.
As
we arrived back everyone was treated to a great dinner of Seafood, BBQ chicken and all kinds of other great food. It was time
for more prizes and awards.
After supper awards were given to all
the kids. Each kid received a custom call designed and made by Wood Butcher Calls. The calls were beautiful and definitely
one of a kind. Thanks so much to John Frame for the calls. Awards were given for Best buck as well as heaviest doe taken.
Each kid also received a second hunt and as well as lots of great memories.
There
were other awards given like late guide award and probably the best of all sleeping guide award.
Another
special award was given to the Denny Lee family for hosting the Kids Hunt of a Lifetime for Hunters Helping Kids, Inc for
the second year. This family did a super job and at this writing, they have already committed to hosting a special hunt in
2007.
After the awards, it was time for the final event of the hunt.
Dale Dobson kicked of the 2007 Ultimate Kids Hunt fundraising with an auction. As usual, it was a fun time and we got the
2007 HHK Ultimate Kids Hunt off to a great start.
The auction ended
the events of the evening and it was time for everyone to retire after a long day of hunting and great events for the kids.
Sunday morning dawned early for everyone. As breakfast was prepared, Rev. Philip
Kingsland held the sunrise service for everyone to remind us of all the great things we have to be thankful for in nature
and the outdoors.
This was an end to the 2006 Ultimate Kids Hunt.
Many memories went home with a great group of kids and many new friends were made. Even though not all kids were able to harvest
a deer, we hope they all will have lasting memories of great outdoor experiences.
Hunters
Helping Kids would like to thank all the many volunteers for their hard work and dedication to Hunters Helping Kids. Without
this dedication, the Ultimate Kids Hunt would not be possible. We all look forward to next year.
Hunters Helping Kids, Inc.
a 501c3 organization
