Like most places around Georgia, I have an abundance of deer on my farm and need to take a lot more does than I do. In the past I've generally held off whacking a lot of does early thinking all the shooting would disturb things more than I would like, with plans to take out does towards the end of the season. This sounds good, but the reduction in deer movement in the last 10 or so days of the season usually finds my doe harvest below where it needs to be. So this year I'm going to try something different. Rather than wait until the end of the season, I'm going to try to take out most of the does at the beginning. Some researchers have said that this will enhance your rut if fewer does are on the market. Between a few during bow season, I'd like to have my doe kill mostly completed during the first week of gun season. Here's my plan: Call the US Marine Corps.
I spoke yesterday with the Colonel at the Marines Corps Logistic Center in Albany, GA. I suspect there are some Marines there that enjoy hunting, have few opportunities, and could benefit from some meat in the freezer. Why not help these guys out and invite them to my farm so that they can have a good time, each get a doe, and largely complete my doe harvest in one day? The Col. really seemed to like the idea. He said the base would provide the Marines with a place to keep their processed deer and would likely have some sort of drawing or lottery to determine which marines would get to go. I told him I would let 10 come on whatever day we select. We might even have a BBQ lunch for them afterwards.
What do you think? Our soldiers do so much for us. If this can help some of them out, considering most get by on very little pay, while helping me with my management plans, doesn't it sound like a win-win for all? Have any of you tried something like this or do you have any suggestions?

What the heck is the matter with me?

I am a Marine (Once a Marine, always a Marine).

I live in Georgia, only a couple of hours away.

I don't wet the bed, or the floor... not often, anyway.

I usually hit what I shoot at.

Venison is venison.

I have ten tags to use.

I will table dance if you have one made out of reinforced concrete.

Seriously, if you'd let me, I'd love to help you with the hunt. I could cook, take some of the guys to stands (assuming you'd show me them first???), I have an ATV I could bring for transport. I could skin, butcher, etc. I make good slaw, salads, bar-b-que and know how to open a pop-top for when the hunt is over. I'll even bring some good South Georgia shrimp to boil.

Semper Fi means the world to me. The Corps taught me that about anything is possible with hard work, self-confidence and a up-the-hill attitude.

Please let me help!

That is very generous of you.

Fine spirit!

Spring,

That's a great thing you're doing for the Marines. I spent 6 weeks training to run marginal terrain vehicles at MCSS Albany in 1969 before shipping out to Vietnam. Loved those Georgia swamps! Best duty station I had during my time in the Corps! Again, a big thanks from a former Marine.

Semper Fidelis

Craig

By all means, Judge, it would be great if you could help. Meeting the Marines in the morning, giving them a little pre-dawn chat about safety (including an explanation of the difference in a doe and button buck), picking up the hunters and their deer, field dressing as needed at my hanging pole, cooking or accumulating the items for a post-hunt lunch, and possibly taking whoever didn't get one in the morning back for another try that afternoon.
Does all that sound like a job for more than just me??? I did talk to my son who is off at college and he wants to come help, but no doubt there will be plenty for several of us to do.
The Col. indicated it might be best if we did this on a weekday but that weekends would be OK, too if that's what I needed. Right off hand, I'm looking at Friday. Oct 28th, but will work out the details as I talk to the Marines. I don't know if we will be able to let the weather impact our date or not, as their schedule may not be that nimble.
You're great for offering, Ernest, and if this thing is successful, we might be able to make it an annual thing. Thanks!

Vic

I think you're right regarding the early season doe kill, it worked on the lease I hunted on. As far as the Jar Heads, can you do a Lee Ermy imitation?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DigitalDan:
I think you're right regarding the early season doe kill, it worked on the lease I hunted on. As far as the Jar Heads, can you do a Lee Ermy imitation?

[/QUOTE

Don't have to do no god damn imitation NUMB NUTS!!!

Great idea! And kudos to both you and JudgeG for the effort. When I was in the service, hunting sometimes was impossible, depending on the location.
I'm just surprised that the judge has tastebuds for good scotch after serving as a Marine!
Off we go, into the wild blue yonder!

I pissed my shorts on that one Invader, excellent response MAGGOT!

Jokes aside, you are doing a wonderful thing.
wish I was close enough to help our younger brothers with this. I know what a deal like this
would have ment to me after Vietnam and lost state side.

Spring:

I could bring half a dozen "deer ready" rifles and ammo, one ATV, a GPS to find my fanny, lots of good food... corn on the cob, baked beans, burgers to grill..

I would imagine I'd need to get there sometime on the 27th to figure where the heck I needed to be and get shown a route to a stand or two.

The 28th sounds good to me. I'll have to double check my schedule, but I'm pretty flexable.

I've got some binoculars that will help with the button ID's, too. Maybe we can get to C.O. to bust 'em a stripe if they kill a young buck?

I would hope they would get to your place really early in the morning, because, as you evidently appreciate, there may well need to be some indoctrination. Maybe Special Services could provide a van.

My telephone number is 912 261 8339 at work. It's not too early to figure out who will do what, and I'd not mind one bit driving over to Broxton to get a fam 1 on the property so I'm not Moses wandering in the wilderness with a bunch of lance corporals????

It may not be unwise to get them to camp by your barn or whatever the evening before. Marines have been know to sleep outside, btw. I'd love to bake them some biscuits and ham for breakfast. I have several tents (say for 6 to 8 guys) that I could bring. I'd love to tell sea stories the evening before. Nothing like a captive audience. My children just run when I say "Back when I was in the Marine Corps." I'm sure it would be worthwhile to let the guys get familar with the rifles (assuming they need to borrow some) the evening before, even if they just snap-in at a target on the wall in a pole barn or something.

Anyway.... I'm yours for the duration.



SEMPER FI!

Judge, Them lions already transfered you from wing to infantry When i took all thoses L/Cpl's and PFC'S out they all had full autos.


Ya'll are doing a GOOD thing.
Thanks
Gene

Allthough a very generous offer by yourself I think there is a considerable risk attached to this that poor hunting practice may occur due to lack of equipment/time.

I think you owe it to your deer to ensure that:-

All have a minimum of 3years hunting experience
Come with a zeroed rifle
Demonstrate an ability to shoot 3 shots into a 4" circle at 100yards
Have BINOCULARS (scoping with a rifle is scoping whether a marine or a civilian)

You owe it to yourself and them to ensure:-

A clear safety brief
Clear demarcation of areas
Clear understanding of what you want shot
Your wishes regarding style of hunting eg single shot at broadside stationary deer with safe backstop

Sounds kill joy but in my experience a collection of hunters needs this and more to ensure safe and responsible hunting.

Good luck

Hey Spring, Tied up with family health issues, or I'd be glad to help out with the Hunt too.

Sounds like it is coming together real well. I'd say it is the very best idea I've seen posted on any Board in years.

Semper Fi to all the Marines, past, present and future.

Great hunting to all those involved and my best wishes for clean 1-shot kills.
---

1894mk2, By the way, suggestions that MARINES do not have the ability to shoot accurately has been responsible for considerable "heated physical discussions" over the years.

i really wish I was closer than 1000 miles so i could help. Great job, Great thought. Yeah & just make sure all those guys can get good groups before going into harms way salamundi

quote:

Originally posted by 1894mk2:

Demonstrate an ability to shoot 3 shots into a 4" circle at 100yards

I was in the Navy for 6 and had a Gunny for my small teams tactical weapons training. The concern isn't IF they'll hit it.
The level of discipline is higher here than about any group of people I've been around. Some consideration may be made, but fire control is almost a mute point. Nate

OH! P.S. Way to go Spring!!!!!

Judge,
Inviting the guys to spend the night there the night before is a great idea and one I had not considered. That would certainly make it easier to talk to them about the safety and hunting issues we'll need them to know about. They could also shoot a bit if they are not familiar with the gun they would be using. And speaking of guns, I have several rifles and no doubt between you and others we could outfit much of the entire Corps, rather than just the 10 guys we'll have visiting. We'll work on that. There are also guns in their armory that I understand can be checked out. I don't know what kind of guns they would be, but hopefully bigger than their standard .223.
As for the CO knocking them a stripe, when talking to him this week he made it clear that he loves hunting, too... If losing rank comes with a missed shot, he, too might be putting himself at such risk! I don't know if he'll be coming or not, and I certainly wouldn't mind it, but quite honestly, helping the enlisted guys would be my priority. No doubt we could all have a good time the night before, and to avoid whatever fraternization issues the Marines have, we could let any officers stay inside with us. Then again, something tells me you wouldn't mind being outside with Marines...

Every base had a base Special Services or was it just base services. They had a world of gear that could be checked out. Skeet and trap guns,boats,camping gear etc. Most young Marines never even go by there. You might have some check there to see what can be had that would help your plan. Any retired military can use it as well.I am a retired Sgt E5(medical) and have
used US bases world wide. Hope this can be of some help to you.
Gene

Spring,
That is very good of you. When I lived outside of Washington DC I used to take in Military personell for holidays etc. One thanksgiving had a house full of Marines eating turkey and watching football. They were the most grateful bunch I'd ever seen, mostly they were just glad for a home cooked meal. I still get emails from some of them. You're doing a great thing and making friends for life.