Virginia State Parks routinely offers managed hunts to control deer populations at a number of our park locations. Several of our locations also offer very special hunts. On December 6th, 2008 the Fredericksburg/Northern Neck chapter of the Virginia Deer Hunters Association hosted their 22nd Annual Disabled Veterans Hunt at Caledon Natural Area. Over 130 volunteers donated their time and 30 disabled veterans got to hunt. Ten deer were harvested and $900 dollars was donated by volunteers for the Hunters for the Hungry program.
United States First District Congressman Rob Whitman was among the volunteers who donated their time to enable the veterans to enjoy a day of hunting and fellowship in the natural area.
The following organizations, businesses and individuals contributed to the hunt.
Fredericksburg/Northern Neck chapter of the Virginia Deer Hunters Association
McGuire Hospital
Richmond Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans Association
Spotswood Hunt Club
Potomac Hunt Club
Dixieland Hunt Club
Rockhill Hunt Club
Viking Hunt Club
Accakeek Hunt Club
Northern Neck Sportsman’s Club
Colonial Hunt Club
Round Hill Hunt Club
C&S Auto Repair
Sawdy’s Snack Food
Department of Conservation & Recreation, Division of State Parks, Caledon Natural Area
Breakfast and dinner meals prepared by Mac & Wanda McLennan
Homemade vegetable soup prepared (for lunch) by Joyce and Wendie Fines, Lois Preston and Cindy Marsh
Oysters on the half shell by Jason Newton and helpers
Morning Prayer by Pastor Willis Dempsey
Lunch Invocation by Veteran Richard Tarply
Deer drives lead by Jay Fines, Chris McCall and Kevin Eller (Animal Control officers and deputies)
Tracking services provided by Brian and Dan Dixon (fire/arson investigator)
Photography by Justyn Cox
Video tapping by Richard Poorman of the Veterans Administration
VDHA Officers in attendance Matt Lafley, Tex Sadler and Captain Joe
Congressman Rob Whitman attended and addressed the veterans and volunteers
Commonwealth Attorney Matt Britton attended
Clerk of the Circuit Court Charles V. Mason
King George Sherriff’s Department Captain Dempsey and deputies attended