The Southside Baptist Brotherhood Ministry sponsored its 2nd Annual Outdoors with Friends deer hunt on Friday and Saturday with 33 hunters from the local area, Tennessee and Florida participating.

Greg Ricks, Brotherhood director, said the purpose of the annual deer hunt is to share God’s love and message with disabled and disadvantaged individuals who have no father or male influence in their lives.

“At the Outdoors with Friends deer hunt, these individuals hunt with guides and also have opportunities for male fellowship during the other events of the hunt,” Ricks said. “And, we hope the hunt will encourage more involvement in church related activities.”

Ricks said that the Brotherhood’s Outdoors with Friends deer hunt was a great success with 18 doe’s, one buck, four wild hogs and two coyotes harvested on the three hunts.

Sheldan Sanders of Troy harvested the big buck and won a free shoulder mount from Russ Harris Taxidermy.

“The Outdoors with Friends deer hunt got off to a great start on Friday afternoon with 10 doe’s and the buck harvested,” Ricks said. “On Friday night, the hunters and their guides came together for supper and a program by inspirational speaker Eric O’Brien of Dothan.

“On Saturday, it rained but we were able to get in two hunts,” Ricks said. “The guides for the hunt were members of the Brotherhood and volunteers. The church opened its doors for the hunters who needed overnight lodging. We all had a great time together.”

Ricks said it was heartwarming to see the relationships between the hunters and their guides develop.

“One hunter was a quadriplegic,” Ricks said. “He and his guide only met 10 days before the hunt. Although, the hunter was confined to a wheel chair and the bed, he was able to enjoy the hunt because someone cared. That’s what this hunt is all about – caring and sharing.”

Ricks expressed appreciation to all of those who made the hunt and the activities surrounding it a success.

“We want to also thank the six landowners who allowed hunting on their land,” he said. “There were a lot inspirational moments throughout the event. It was a time that we’ll all remember.”

Anyone who would like to be a part of next year’s Outdoors with Friends deer hunt is encouraged to contact Southside Baptist Church Men’s Ministry.