Children’s benefit hunt planned for November

The Big Country Children’s Benefit Hunt, a program of BCFS Health and Human Services, will bring to Donley County an outdoor expedition to provide an opportunity for youth to learn about the responsibilities of hunting safety, the basics of outdoor survival training, and the necessity of teamwork on November 23 and 24, 2019.

Last year, the organization added the Texas Panhandle to its list of outdoor adventures, headed by Randy Bond. Randy and his wife, Sis, have adopted three children from foster care and are currently waiting to foster others. Given his background in Law Enforcement, Randy has an intimate knowledge of the foster care system and values the importance of programs like the Big Country Children’s Benefit Hunt.

To be selected for this expedition, youth are nominated by Child Protective Services (CPS) staff based on records from their case file and consultation with each youth’s case manager and foster family. After a rigorous vetting process, the selected youth from foster care attend a day-long hunting certification and training program held in October, approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife, administered by a certified instructor. For the two-day hunt, held in November, each youth will be paired with an experienced hunting guide to provide for them throughout their journey.

Marshall Davidson, Special Investigations Program Administrator for Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and also one of the founders, serves as the hunting certification and training instructor. Marshall is but one of the many BCFS volunteers who will fill the roles necessary to make a hunt such as this one a safe and successful adventure. An experienced outdoorsman who lives by the values, ethics, and ideals of hunting, Marshall believes teens can learn a great deal from the lessons the wilderness has to offer.

There is still a need monetary donations to pay for food, hunting equipment and essentials, for the hunt weekend to be a success. This program is completely funded by sponsors, volunteers, and donations.

Contact Tessie Robinson at 806-220-6222 or Randy Bond at 806-223-9247 for more information.