Fellowship

I love seeing both young and old sharing the common language of the outdoors.  It’s even more special when it allows those that do not even know each other to relate and bond.

I attended the annual Sportsman’s Banquet this last weekend at Trinity Baptist Church.  The banquet has been going on for nearly 20 years and I was amazed at how it has grown.  I attended several years ago as well, but the 100 plus in attendance likely doubled the number I saw back then.  Those in attendance were a mixture of race, generations, and backgrounds.  But everyone there had two things in common; their love of the outdoors, and their faith.  The fellowship amongst everyone was welcoming.  Door prizes were handed out, and thanks to the generosity of many, every youth in attendance won something.

We realize when we are sitting in the company of nature, we are experiencing the beauty of our Creator.   During that time, the church is in the form of woods and water, and God has allowed us to witness a glimpse of heaven.

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I want to extend an invitation to the Dixie Deer Classic in Raleigh on March 4-6.  It is a tremendous event that all can enjoy.  The gathering of guides, manufacturers, and dealers is amongst the top in the Southeast.  Once again, the Classic will bring in Lee and Tiffany Lakosky of ‘The Crush’ and Michael Waddell of ‘The Bone Collector’.  Jase Robertson of ‘The Duck Commander’ will also be there this year.

There will be mounts of all kinds of North American game animals, an archery range for both adults and youth, and seminars daily.  If you have never been, I promise you will enjoy it, whether you like hunting or not.  I will also be there (but obviously not as an ‘expert’ like those mentioned above)!   I’ll be working behind the scenes measuring some of the antlers coming in.

The North Carolina Bowhunter’s Association will hold its annual banquet Saturday March 5 at the Kerr Scott Building.  The NCBA has pulled in a number of amazing hunts for raffle, featuring at least four South African hunts, and other large game hunts throughout the US and North Carolina.  Details can be found on the NCBA’s website at ncbowhunter.com/banquet_hunts.html.


Reminder, send some pictures of you and your favorite four legged hunting partner to billhowardoutdoors@gmail.com!  They stick with you through the cold and heat, and may even fetch this newspaper every now and then.


Bill Howard is a Hunter Education and Bowhunter Education Instructor , a Wildlife Representative and BCRS Program Chairman for the North Carolina Bowhunters Association, and an avid outdoorsman.  Please forward any pictures or stories you would like shared to billhowardoutdoors@gmail.com.