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CALIFORNIA'S ONLY SPORTSMAN'S NEWS SINCE 1953

SOCAL HUNTING
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RP Pheasant Club, Safari Club International honors wounded warriors/veterans with a pheasant hunt

BY JEFF BUCK/Special to Western Outdoor NewsPublished: Feb 04, 2010



SOUTH CALPHESANT HUNT


NORCO -- Recognizing the need to send a message of gratitude to our Veterans and Wounded Warriors, the Los Angeles Chapter of Safari Club International collaborated with the San Diego Chapter of SCI to host a day of pheasant hunting for these courageous men.

Hosted at RP Pheasant Club in Norco, CA, a group of 63 enthusiastic soldiers including Marines from Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms, and Navy Seals from San Diego took to the field in pursuit of fleet winged pheasants.

Gathered around a warm fire in the early morning chill, they enjoyed hot coffee and a quick breakfast. Volunteers and servicemen had plenty of time to get to know each other, converse about hunts, discuss their field experiences, and anticipate the day’s hunt. After a safety talk designed to keep the day’s activities in the fun zone, groups of hunters were then paired with dogs and the 14 handlers. Before long it was off to the fields for an exciting day of wing shooting.

Plentiful pheasants along with expert dogs provided tremendous opportunity for the hunters in the nearly perfect weather. As one might expect, the shooting skill of the soldiers was illustrated by the bountiful brace of birds and smiling faces that shown in the pictures.

For the majority of these men, hunting behind an accomplished dog was a first in their outdoor experience. They all found that pointing dogs and flushing wings is a thrilling way to spend a day away from the rigors and stress of their jobs.

After a productive morning, the hunters were back at the lodge along with event volunteers. Once again they gathered around the campfire to then partake in an appetizing Argentine-style barbecue with food provided by Vons/Safeway and skillfully prepared by Mike Malinauskas, co-chairman of the event.

FOR THE MAJORITY OF THESE MEN, hunting behind an accomplished dog was a first in their outdoor experience. They all found that pointing dogs and flushing wings is a thrilling way to spend a day away from the rigors and stress of their jobs.
FOR THE MAJORITY OF THESE MEN, hunting behind an accomplished dog was a first in their outdoor experience. They all found that pointing dogs and flushing wings is a thrilling way to spend a day away from the rigors and stress of their jobs.

The chat by the military men as we sat around the campfire for lunch ranged from discussing additional hunting opportunities to information on how they can join SCI (officials said they will have applications on hand next year). From the many conversations it was evident that this event kindled the fire of hunting for the novices and experienced hunters alike.

It must have made an impact since several of the men also voiced their intention attend the SCI San Diego Chapter fundraiser on Feb. 27, 2010. No doubt, the military is a great group for SCI membership.

As the co-chairman of this event, this writer can only say that with the positive response from sponsors, volunteers and soldiers the intention of this event was not lost. It was clearly a mission accomplished!

Plentiful hand shaking and pats on the back were combined with words of appreciation as we sent these brave men on their way. They took with them pheasants happily cleaned by the staff of RP Pheasant Club and were assured with the knowledge that SCI stands by their fellow hunters and military men.

Our appreciation goes out to the sponsors of the event including RP Pheasant Club, Vons a Safeway Company Tom Traynor of Maxim FlexPac Inc., 976-TUNA, Predator Callers of Orange County, California Sporting Goods Association, Starlight Kennels, and Vistamark Photography for without their help none of this would have happened. Please review their web pages and send them their thanks if you get the chance and support those who support our veterans and SCI.

Several additional outdoor events are planned for Veterans/Wounded Warriors during 2010. Any individuals, companies or outfitters that would like to join in and participate in this project should contact Jeff Buck or Mike Malinauskas at (949) 951-9201 or review our web page: www.sandiegosci.org

You can contact co-chairmen Jeff Buck at:
jeffbuck@cox.net; and
Mike Malinauskas, gauchosafaris@cox.net.







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