Garit Poire’ Wins Two Classes In State Shooting Championship
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A rich hunting and outdoor sports tradition have been a central part of the Madison County landscape for centuries. Along the way, it has even turned a few enthusiasts into experts, as what begins as an interest becomes something much, much more. One of these success stories now belongs to a legitimate up-and-comer in shooting sports, Garit Poire’.
On April 6, Poire’, 16, of Madison, won both the Sub-Junior and “D” Class in the prestigious National Sporting Clay Association’s Florida State Championship held at Bradford Sportsmen’s Farm in Graham. With a score of 149 out of 200, Poire’ exhibited a level of excellence at his age that places him on par with the finest shooters anywhere. In fact, several of his supporters believe Poire’ is already in a class by himself.
“Garit is a fine young man and an excellent shooter. I see him receiving scholarships and going on to do well at whatever he sets his mind to in the sport. He is from a great family and it’s been a pleasure to work with him and watch him become such a fine sportsman,” explains Wally Davis. Davis, who owns Madison Farmer’s Supply, avidly supports Poire’s efforts and has worked with him on numerous occasions as part of local National Wild Turkey Federation activities.
Poire’ expressed appreciation for all the people who have been instrumental in his shooting development. Of course he sent huge thanks to his parents, Geno and Cindy Poire’, who own The Marketplace and Madison Antiques Market and Interiors on Range Avenue in Madison. Additional thanks went out to Alan Sowell of Madison Sporting Goods and Pawn, Ken Branham of WW Sporting Clays of Jacksonville, Pat Welch of Bradford Sportsmen’s Farm Inc. of Graham, and John Peek of Southwind Sporting Clays of Lake Park, Ga.
“This is my first championship at this level and I really look forward to climbing up from here. I want to thank everyone who has helped me and it’s really a privilege to represent Madison County,” stated Poire’.
Poire’s score was actually good enough that it would have placed him second in the “C” Class of the tournament, so it’s evident that his future targets are right in his sights. The community joins this reporter and all involved in wishing Poire’ continued success in all endeavors.
Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com.
Georgia and Florida ending senior citizen license exemption
An agreement between Florida and Georgia that allows senior citizens from either state to hunt and fish in fresh water without licenses in both states is about to end.
The agreement, which dates back to 1981, will end on June 30.
Georgia officials announced in May 2007 that economic realities have rendered the reciprocal agreement no longer feasible for hunting, and it will come off the books. The nature of the agreement requires that Florida follow suit. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted Wednesday to end the reciprocal agreement concerning freshwater fishing, as well. The agreement never has exempted nonresident seniors from either state from saltwater fishing license requirements.
Senior citizens who are Florida residents may continue to hunt and fish in Florida without purchasing a Florida license, although the FWC encourages seniors to purchase licenses to support conservation.
Golden Leaf Plantation Has Proud Hunting Heritage
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Whether accommodating one or a dozen, Golden Leaf Plantation, a 1000-acre hunting lodge owned by Joe “Ball” Reams in Greenville, offers a variety of hunting packages that include everything from full-service lodging to guides to dogs, but mostly it includes a proud hunting heritage that’s been built over decades.
With help from family, like wife Kim and cousin Jackson Mugge, the hunting experiences Reams offer lack for absolutely nothing.
“The 1000 acres that make up Golden Leaf Plantation was used for tobacco farming back in the 1920’s. Later we left farming and launched commercial hunting on the property in 1987,” Reams explained.
“We specialize in quail hunting, although other game is available as well. We also maintain a lake, so our guests can fish for free, along with other features like fully equipped Jeeps,” Reams added.
“Quail hunting runs from October to April. So, we still have packages available for every hunter and budget,” he went on to say.
Recently Daniel Greene and grandfather Tommy Greene had the opportunity to hunt quail at Golden Leaf Plantation. Both had a great time, not to mention a very successful hunt. In the end, they both agreed that the hunt lived up to the Golden Leaf Plantation slogan, “Quail hunting is forever.”
Daniel Greene is heading off to basic training in the Marines, and of course those at Greene Publishing, Inc. wish him a safe return. Perhaps it’s only fitting that prior to shipping off, he had the opportunity to build a hunting memory with “Pop,” which he can take with him forever, compliments of Golden Leaf Plantation.
Joe and Kim reside with their two daughters, Savannah (16) and Christianna (12), who both attend Aucilla Christian Academy. Anyone seeking more information is urged to call Golden Leaf Plantation at 948-7891 or 973-7135
Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com.
Fourth Annual Deer Fest Scheduled For Saturday
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The fourth annual Deer Fest is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, in Lakeland, Ga. There is no admission charge to get in.
Gates will open for the event at 1 p.m. Inside the gates, there will be a few vendor booths, as well as arts for children and taxidermy.
At 5 p.m., wild games plates will begin being served at a cost of $7 per plate.
Deer Fest t-shirts and caps will also be sold.
At 7 p.m., people attending Deer Fest are invited to go inside for an auction. Hunting trips, handmade knives and other items will be auctioned off.
Fifty shotguns will be given away during the auction. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased for $2 each.
All proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Oaklawn Foundation, which was established to build an art and civic center in Lakeland, Ga., at the site of the old Oaklawn School.
“It will probably take about two more Deer Fests to pay for the center,” Larry Lee, Deer Fest promoter and organizer, said.
Lee said that the name “Deer Fest” came from hunters saving deer meat and bringing it to the community wide event.
The event will be held on the Lakeland Highway, which is being Lakeland and Valdosta, Ga.
