While many in Santa Rosa County were sleeping-in Thanksgiving morning, Brad Wellnecker, president of the South Eastern Dog Hunters Association, said hunters were up between 3:30 and 4 a.m. for the start of deer season. Three National Football League games are on the schedule for Turkey Day, but Wellnecker said hunters with hounds will be involved in their own team sport. “Sometimes you get the touchdown. It all depends on the team and luck,” he said.
Wellnecker said most people eat their holiday meal at noon. “We don’t eat until after dark,” he said. “There’s so much camaraderie with hunters and their families,” he said. He described it like a reunion. “Many don’t see each other until Thanksgiving Day morning.” Wellnecker said he was with his father and grandfather as well as his Walker and Black and Tan mixed Coonhounds enjoying the first day of the season.
Wellnecker said hunting with hounds is more forgiving than hunting in a stand. According to Wellnecker, one need not worry about being so quiet since dog hunting doesn’t rely on the brief time in the morning or evening deer come out to feed.
Still, Wellnecker said he doesn’t look down on tree stand hunting and praises all the various forms Florida has to offer. He also said he gives much respect to the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) for the wildlife management areas (WMAs) where hunters are allowed to seek game.
Florida’s hunting, according to Wellnecker, is also an economic driver. “People spend money in the area. Several come in for the weekend (and shop) at Wal-Mart, feed stores, and on GPS and tracking systems.”
Wellnecker said he also encourages the other hunters in the SEDHA to show their appreciation to those who live near the WMAs. “Two years ago,” he said, “we decided to help our neighbors in the forest. We got a crew together to fix leaky roofs and other problems. We also hauled firewood.” In April last year, he said, SEDHA had over 1,900 volunteer hours, including work with the Ronald McDonald House, Toys For Tots, two dog food drives for the Walton County Animal Shelter and PAWS in Fort Walton. During the summer, Wellnecker said, SEDHA also takes care of over 14 miles of adopted roads and highways. Early next year, Wellnecker said, SEDHA plans on holding a dog food drive in Santa Rosa County.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Hunters with hounds eager for hunting season