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Veterans ; enjoy annual deer hunt; Outdoors

Maryland Gazette - 12/13/2017

Each fall for the past 11 years, Joel Greenwell, Billy Ford and their family and friends have hosted the South County/LT. M. Dorsey annual "Veterans Deer Hunt" for wounded military veterans.

According to Joel Greenwell, Jr., one of the organizers, this year's event drew about 14 veterans who because of their injuries "no longer get to do the things we do on a daily basis." A mentor accompanies each vet afield to provide them "the feel of a real live deer hunt just like they were used to before they were wounded," he added. He also points out that the event relies on the generosity of local land and farm owners, as well as local businesses that donate door prizes and other gifts for the vets.

"I've been involved with many of these events over the past several years and a few have stuck in the back of my mind as staples of what Operation NPLB (No Person Left Behind) and OSC (Operation Second Chance) stand for, but this year's event took it to another level that I thought wasn't possible with the community outpouring of love and support for our fallen men and women," said Mark Hoke, another event organizer.

"If you wanted to see what patriotism and unconditional love for this country is you only need to look at the volunteers at this event," Hoke added. "I am proud and honored to be such a small part of what they do. God Bless all that hold our country and the men and women first in their hearts."

HUNTER SUCCESS: During the opening weekend of the popular firearms season, conducive weather combined with the ability to hunt on Sundays in much of the state contributed to hunter success, according to a Department of Natural Resources press release. DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto added, "Sunday hunting continues to offer more opportunities for family and friends to share time out in the fields and woods. At the same time the additional day of harvest contributes positively to sustainably managing deer for the benefit of all."

Hunters reported harvesting 13,514 deer on the opening weekend of the state's most popular hunting season. The breakdown was 6,242 antlered and 7,272 antlerless deer, with sika deer making up 201 of the antlered and 188 of the antlerless totals. DNR reports that junior hunters also enjoyed good hunting, harvesting a reported 2,462 deer during the Junior Deer Hunt Days in which these young hunters registered 1,500 antlered and 962 antlerless deer. The harvest nearly matched last year's official harvest of 2,444.

Email outdoors news, photos and calendar listings to cdollar@cdollaroutdoors.com.

OUTDOORS CALENDAR

Dec. 11: Pasadena Sportfishing Group's monthly meeting. Capt. Wayne Morgan of "Frayed Knot Fishing" will discuss "Twelve Tips for Trolling." Earleigh Heights VFC, 161 Ritchie Highway (Route 2), Severna Park. Doors open at 6 p.m., meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Food and beverages are available with coffee and cake free and children will receive a free ice cream. George Bentz, Jr will recite his "The Night Before Christmas" poem. Details at pasadenasportfishing.com.

Jan. 3: Free State Fly Fishers meeting. 7:30-9 p.m., Davidsonville Family Rec. Center, 3727 Queen Anne Bridge Road, Davidsonville.

Jan. 13: 9th annual MSSA Frederick Chapter Fishing Expo. Expert speakers and fishing vendors. Frederick Fairgrounds Building 9, Frederick.

Feb. 10: Tri-State Marine Fisherman's Flea Market, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission, $50 per table rental. Call Dawn Yoder to reserve table, (410) 867-2398.

Feb. 17-18: Pasadena Sportfishing Group's 26th annual Fishing Expo. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. both days. $5 each day, 12 & under free. Earleigh Heights Fire Hall, 161 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park.

Feb. 24: MSSA Annapolis Chapter's annual Saltwater Fishing Expo. Held at Annapolis Elks Club, doors open at 8 a.m.

Feb. 24-25: Lefty Kreh's Tie Fest. Admission $10 per day, $15 for both days. Anglers 16 and under and active military personnel admitted free. Lowes Annapolis Hotel, 126 West Street, Annapolis. Contact Tony Friedrich, (202) 744-5013.

March 10: The "Mid-Shore Fishing Seminar," American Legion Post #18, 2619 Centreville Road. (Rt. 213) Centreville MD 21617. Featured speakers include Capt. Mark Galasso, Capt. Jeff Lewatowski and Joe Bruce. Hosted by CD Outdoors and Tacklecove.com. More details at cdollar@cdollaroutdoors.com.

Credit: Chris Dollar

Caption: Last weekend, Harwood residents Joel Greenwell, Billy Ford and their family and friends hosted military veterans, shown here enjoying an after hunt lunch, during the the South County/LT. M. Dorsey annual "Veterans Deer Hunt."

Courtesy Photo