Operation Orphans Girl’s Hunt Results
Operation Orphans, Inc. hosted 35 girls at Camp Gene Ashby, in Mason County, October 24-26. The girls were from 6 child residential homes. Homes participating were Concho Valley Home for Girls, San Angelo; Texas Girls and Boys Ranch, Lubbock; Acuna Home, Deer Park; Methodist Children’s Home, Waco; Road to Wisdom, Houston; and Foster’s Home, Stephenville. The girls arrived at Camp Gene Ashby eager to enjoy the outdoors and have a good time. The girls came to the camp on Friday evening. After signing in, the girls were assigned beds in the dorm and visited the Clothing Room where each child received a new pair of boots. They also received a bag with various toiletry items, gloves, a knit cap, and various other items. The girls “shopped” in the Clothing Room, where they could get camouflage hunting clothes, coats, or school clothing which they can take home with them. Several girls enjoyed getting genuine Cowboy hats.
The girls attended an orientation meeting where they were informed about the Saturday hunt. They went through a safety meeting and reviewed what would be expected of them during their participation in the Operation Orphans program. The kids were then free to enjoy dinner and desserts. The Mason Global Methodist Church brought casseroles for everyone to enjoy. The kids played games and did crafts in the Janie and Milton Jordan Building.
Volunteers who traveled from across Texas were also present. These individuals assisted in the Clothing Room and kitchen. Many would also be hunting guides for the eager hunters on Saturday.
The girls and their guides went hunting on surrounding ranches Saturday. Ranches participating were Angel Oaks, Mason County; Bar 7, Gillespie; Bearden Ranch, Mason; Bloys Ranch, Kerr; Goad Ranch, Mason; GR Ranch, McCulloch; Johnson Ranch, Menard; Ransleben Ranch, Gillespie; Lazy B Ranch, Mason; Northcutt Ranch, Mason; Operation Or-phans Game Pasture, Mason; Owl Lane, Gillespie; Shaw Ranch, Mason; TADD Ranch, Gillespie; Thomas Ranch, Mason; and White Ranch, Mason.
These ranches are so generous to allow these young hunters the opportunity to enjoy the day hunting and spending time outdoors. The ranches use this program to harvest excess animals and educate youngsters about deer management and rural living. The memories the kids have will be enjoyed throughout their lives.
Even though there was a storm and conditions were not the best, the girls did enjoy a great hunt. Animals harvested were 16 does, 9 spikes, 8 bucks, and 1 aoudad.
The girls enjoyed spending the day with their guides gaining knowledge about the outdoors, learning how to process a deer, and having the opportunity to meet new people who care about them.
One of the girls caught a Texas Spiney Lizard and had the best time showing it off before releasing it at one of the camp trees. One volunteer brought two kangaroo babies which were a big hit. Everyone enjoyed getting up close and personal with the little cuties. Another amazing and memorable event was the passing of hundreds of migrating Monarch butterflies. Everyone rushed outside to witness the beautiful event. Some butterflies rested for the night on a mesquite tree.
On Saturday evening, girls, guides, and other volunteers were busy skinning and quartering deer. The chatter was a bit loud as some girls were asking questions, and others were excitedly sharing the story of their day. It was a great time.
A delicious meal of chicken and beef tacos, along with guacamole, was enjoyed by the exhausted guests. Cookies and cobblers were available as well.
Operation Orphans will have three additional hunts this season which will be for boys. Dates are November 15, December 13, and January 10. It is not too late to sign up if you would like to host hunters on your property. Visit the Operation Orphans website: www.operationorphans.org for information and signup sheets. Individuals who wish to serve as guides must have successfully passed a Hunter Safety Course and are subject to a background check. The background check will be completed once the individual is signed up for one of the dates.
Operation Orphans, Inc is a 501(c)(3) organization which started in 1960. Please consider donating to the “Take a Child Hunting and Fishing” programs. Monetary donations and gift cards are always welcome as it allows Operation Orphans to purchase particular items for the Clothing Room that are not donated. Gently used and new camouflage clothing is always needed. Coats, rain ponchos, and Magellan style long sleeve fishing shirts are also needed.
Please feel free to contact Jerry and Lyla Crouch, Camp Supervisors, phone : 325.347.6745 or Bryan Clemons, Hunt Director, phone: 512.844.7169.
Please consider giving a little of yourself to benefit these kids who have been through so much.