Friday, November 15th, six child residential and foster homes brought 35 boys to Camp Gene Ashby to participate in the Operation Orphans “Take a Child Hunting” program.
Boys came from Foster’s Home, Stephenville; Kidz Harbor, Liverpool; Boys & Girls Country, Hockley; Triple 7 Ranch, Houston; Kinship Konnection, Spring; and West Texas Boys Ranch, San Angelo. This was the second hunt of the season for Operation Orphans. On October 25th, 36 girls made the trip, with 32 girls hunting and harvesting 32 deer.
The groups arrived Friday evening and were given goody bags, a pair of new hiking boots, and visited the Clothing Room to “shop” for coats, camouflage clothing, school clothes, socks, etc. Operation Orphans director Les Mayo led the orientation meeting where the kids and counselors learned what to expect during their time with Operation Orphans and were also given a safety and hunting briefing. The groups were assigned sleeping areas and were then free to eat a delicious meal and relax in the Milton & Janie Jordan building where they could play various games and mingle.
Volunteers came from all across the state to help with preparing and serve meals, serve as hunting guides, assist in quartering the deer, cleaning, and various other duties which help things run smoothly.
Surrounding land owners allowed the youngsters to hunt on their property which helps in managing the deer herds and offers and educational opportunity to the kids. The volunteers who serve as guides must complete a background check and have successfully completed a hunter safety course.
Area ranches hosting kids during the November hunt were Baethge Ranch, Gillespie County; Boys Ranch, Kerr; DTR Family Ranch, Menard; Gentry Springs Ranch, Kimble; Johnson Homestead Ranch, Menard; Northcutt Ranch, Mason; Operation Orphans Game Pasture, Mason; Pinon Springs Ranch, Edwards; Smith Ranch, Mason; and Woelfel Stone Throw Ranch, Mason. Operation Orphans would not have a program without the generous landowners who graciously share their love of the land with the youth who participate. The lessons on game management, ethical hunting practices, etc and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors are lessons these kids will remember for a life time.
The 32 boys who went hunting Saturday, November 16, harvested 31 animals which included 17 does, two spikes, nine bucks, one aoudad, and two axis. The three boys who did not hunt were able to sit in a deer stand and watch the activity around the deer feeders, visit the river looking for interesting rocks and of course skip some on the water, and hung out around the camp.
At the end of the day, the groups returned to Camp Gene Ashby, exhausted, but excited to tell their stories of the days activities. The guides and others helped quarter the deer at the end of the hunt, and a delicious meal was served. To see the bonds made between the kids and the guides and volunteers is truly a blessing to behold.
The third hunt of the “Take a Child Hunting” program for the 2024 season will take place December 7, followed by the final hunt, January 11.
Operation Orphans welcomes donations of gently used hunting clothes, such as coveralls, coats, hoodies, warm socks, jeans, and any camouflage items. Items such as fleece throw blankets, fun socks, beanie hats, and gloves are also appreciated.
Visit the Operation Orphans website: www.operationorphans. org for additional information and to sign up to host kids to hunt, etc. Operation Orphans, Inc is a 501©(3) organization which has taken underprivileged kids hunting since 1960.