Vicksburg District Hosts 22nd Annual Physically Challenged Deer Hunt

By Kavanaugh Breazeale, USACEDecember 6, 2012

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Arkabutla Lake….The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (Corps) Arkabutla Lake will host its 22nd annual physically challenged hunt 7 through 10 December 2012. In September 2012, 64 disabled hunters were chosen by a random drawing. These hunts bolster support for the wildlife management practices in place and are an integral part of the plan for the area. They provide a unique opportunity to a very special group of participants coming from all over the southeastern United States.

These 64 hunters will use muzzle loading primitive rifles or shotguns. The hunters will be staged in foliage-covered plywood box stands within the 1000-acre natural area below Arkabutla Lake Dam. Some blinds are built specifically for hunters to drive 4-wheeled all terrain vehicles (ATV's) into the stand enabling the hunter to hunt without dismounting from the seat of the ATV.

Sponsors for this year's event are Arkabutla Lake Physically Challenged Hunt Association and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Local citizens and businesses also donate time and food for the event.

The Corps offers an array of recreational opportunities that include fishing, boating, camping, hiking, bicycling, swimming, and photography. As stewards of public lands, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is dedicated to providing a safe, quality recreational experience for all visitors. Arkabutla Lake, located near Coldwater, is one of four Mississippi Corps lakes within the Vicksburg District boundaries. Approximately 5.5 million visitors per year support $130 million in visitor spending with 60% being captured by local economies. Visitor spending also supports the addition of 1,500 jobs. The Mississippi Project Office oversees more than 365,000 acres of land and water readily available for visitors to enjoy at the four lakes in Mississippi.

To be considered for future hunts, a packet can be obtained from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Arkabutla Lake Field Office. For more information, contact Mike Carter or Ernie Lentz at 662-562-6261, or find us on Facebook.

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