The hunt consisted of 3 1/2 days allowing each hunter to bag a trophy buck plus several does if you desire. A legal buck must have eight points or a spread of 16 inches. Varmints are in season during this hunt and two bobcats were taken by Larry Kelly of Mag-Na-Port and Mike Jordan with Winchester. Many of the hunters had been participating in this hunt for several years and you could see the friendships that have developed. It was great spending time with avid handgun hunters who enjoy like interests not to mention industy leaders. Friday after lunch found Mike Jordan talking to the group about what was new at Winchester. Saturday during lunch we heard from Ken Kelly of Mag-Na-Port and Chris Lalik of Bushnell. Saturday evening Ernie French of Thompson/Center Arms spoke on behalf of their company telling the group about all the good things happening at T/C. Then Sunday we got to hear Bob Baker, President of Freedom Arms, share what was new with their fine line of revolvers. Everyone enjoyed the camaraderie.

The hunters carried a variety of guns during this hunt. Four of the guys were packing revolvers only with the biggest share going to Freedom Arms. Six guys used a revolver during the morning hunts in the woods, then switched to a single-shot in the evening overlooking food plots. Ten of the hunters were shooting single-shot handguns, mostly T/Cs of some description. I was carrying one of the new 375 JDJ factory barrels on an Encore frame. Actually this was a custom shop barrel, straight bull with muzzle brake and boy is it comfortable to shoot. It's also very accurate with the 220 grain Hornady bullets.

We would get up early in the morning and after a great breakfast, head to our stands which were situated in the woods. Normally hunters would stay in their ladder stands until ten or so then head back to the lodge for lunch. Sometime around two we were back in the trucks heading to our evening spots mainly overlooking food plots. I watched deer on every occasion. I saw bucks every evening from the comfortable shooting houses. No, I never did pull the trigger but that doesn't mean my hunt wasn't successful. I believe there were a total of fifteen deer taken during this hunt. Everyone had a great time with most already making plans to attend next year.

If you're interested in a handgun only deer hunt this may just be what the doctor ordered. This is a unique hunt unsurpassed by the social activity.

For more information contact: Robert Pitman, White Oak Plantation, 5215 Country Road 10, Tuskegee, AL 36083 or call 334-727-9258.

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