For 15 people who many would label as disabled, this past weekend they were something else: hunters.
Hope Outdoors, a non-profit organization set up to provide those with disabilities the chance to hunt, hosted the event with more than 140 people involved, many from Marion County churches.
The organization pays for the hotel, food and items needed to make the hunt successful, include an all-terrain wheelchair to get in and out of the woods.
This was the second annual hunt in Marion County, and 10 deer were harvested, including an impressive 10-point buck killed by local hunter Jeremy Hamilton. Of the total 15 hunters, five were local, seven were from somewhere else in Misissippi, two from North Carolina and one from Louisiana.
Brent Pendleton with Hope Outdoors said he was very pleased with how the weekend went. He said more and more people are expressing interest in it, and he hopes next year to expand it to allow 20 hunters the opportunity to participate.
Different churches helped with food and other projects with this year’s host being First Baptist Church in Columbia. Life Church, Morgantown Church of God and Woodlawn also helped with food and other activities this year. Life Church has already committed to serve as host for next year’s hunt at a date to be determined.
Chris Woodward provided the land for the hunt this year.
“I’ve done a lot of guiding in my life. Today was the most special moment in my hunting career. My new buddy Jeremy Hamilton dropped the hammer on a beautiful Pearl River swamp ten point!" Woodward said on his Facebook page. "Those of you that know Jeremy already know this, but if everyone had his attitude and outlook on life this world would be a much better place."
“I had a great hunt this past weekend at hope outdoors in Columbia,” Justin Railey posted on his Facebook page. Railey harvested a five-point buck.
While the volunteers had taken the hunters out to the woods, family members and caretakers were being taking care of as well. On Friday they were able to travel in the Columbia Trolley and visit the Hugh White mansion, Red Bluff and enjoy some ice cream at The Deck.
Saturday evening there was entertainment in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church where more than 150 people attended the evening meal.
Pendleton said this weekend was a big win for Hope Outdoors.
“To see everyone come together and have so much fun, it’s a big win for me and for Hope Outdoors,” he said.
Pendleton said the hunt this year could not be possible without all of the volunteers, sponsors and donations. He said he can’t believe how much everyone wants to help. It is because of the excitement and eagerness of the volunteers he is looking to expand next year.
Pendleton said to be on the look-out for a Hope Outdoors banquet soon. He said they are going to try one big fundraiser this coming year instead of going door to door.
