Three young hunters took the first deer of their hunting careers, and a fourth also tagged a whitetail to highlight the annual Thomas Day Caughman Take One Make One Youth Hunt in Bamberg County last Saturday (Oct. 2).
For the fifth year in a row, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ program for young hunters was held in honor and memory of U.S. Army Specialist Thomas Day Caughman of Lexington, who grew up hunting and fishing before he died in Bagdhad, Iraq, in 2004, in the service of our country.
“Through this program, we are able to carry on his legacy and his love for the outdoors,” said Hamp Caughman, Thomas Caughman’s father.
Dale Martin’s Pinedale Plantation outside Bamberg was the host site for the event, which pairs adult “mentors” with young hunters in deer stands and featured bass fishing, game-calling demonstrations and plenty of tall tales.
Pinedale Plantation, Southern Pines, Southland and Tree Top hunt clubs all helped with the event, which drew a total of 150 people. Twenty-five young hunters went on stand with their mentors, with four of them bringing in deer.
“It’s all for the kids,” said event coordinator Bruce Compton (aka Southern Pines on the SouthCarolinaSportsman.com forum). “We strive to make sure that each and every youth goes home with a smile.”
Connor Payne, 11, from Clearwater took the only buck of the day, a nice 8-pointer, on his first hunt ever. He participated with his 13-year-old brother, Cameron, who saw a big buck but didn’t shoot because it was out of range.
James Harris Jr. expressed his appreciation for the volunteers and sponsors of the event.
“ A special thank you (goes) to Sgt. Lynwood Kearse III (TOMO coordinator for SCDNR’s Enforcement Division), who worked so tirelessly to make this possible; and to all of the volunteers, plantation owners, local businesses, and many others who came together,” Harris said. “These guys went above and beyond to organize this special day for us, and there are no words to express how appreciative we are for them and all of their hard work.
“Thank You again for making a young person’s dream come true.”
Keith Stromberg and Kenneth Greene of Flatwoods Game Calls, who demonstrated deer, goose, turkey and duck calls for the kids, were pleased to be part of the event.
“We really enjoy helping the future hunters of tomorrow and will continue to help mentor them in any way that we can,” Stromberg said.
Click here to see a vid showing just how exciting this event was for one young hunter.
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