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Lowndes Academy hosted its annual Deer Hunt fundraiser on Jan. 12-13. The event brings out hunters from all over the country for a weekend of hunting, dinners, and contests to raise money for technology for the school. 

The hunt is Lowndes Academy’s biggest fundraising event, bringing in hunters and landowners alike, who donate their land and time for the annual event. All hunters were lodged in privately owned hunting cabins located around Lowndesboro. Several prizes were given away over the weekend, and there were competitions like the Big Buck Contest where the winners were presented trophies.

Michael Dansby, a Lowndes Academy Board member, said that the fundraiser builds community and is vital for the school.

“We’re so busy during sports it gives us a chance to connect with other families and enjoy time together,” Dansby said. “We use the money raised for technology for the school and with it being a small country school, we know how important fundraisers are and this is by far the biggest fundraiser for Lowndes Academy.”

Hunters checked in on Jan. 12 and were treated to a special weekend full of hunting and dining. After arriving on Thursday, the hunters signed in and were escorted to their lodges for a good night’s rest before having a full day of hunting on Friday followed by a social at Lowndes Academy that evening. 

On Saturday, the biggest day of the event, guests spent another full day of hunting and that night the winner of the Big Buck Contest received a trophy. The landowners who took the winner onto their land and the guide who escorted them to the stand also received a trophy.

“Some of these guys have been coming for over 20 years. They’re very loyal and they love the comradery,” said Wilson Scott, Deer Hunt Committee Chair. “They love the school just as much as we do and that’s why they come back year to year. Because of their support financially we’re able to do things to upgrade our classrooms, computers, smartboards, etc. A lot of that stuff comes from the money we make from the deer hunt so it’s a great fundraiser and it all goes back into the school.” 

After the conclusion of the event, Dansby said that the turnout was great. 

“It was a success, probably the best we’ve had in a long time. It went very well, and I was very pleased, all of the hunters were as well,” Dansby said. 

Attendance totaled 85 individuals, including 47 hunters, landowners, and guides with an additional 10 volunteers who assisted in the cleaning of the deer. Another 10 volunteers worked in the kitchen. 

Dansby also noted that there had been up to 150 people in attendance on the last night at the closing dinner. 

There has been no date set for next year’s fundraiser, but anyone interested in participating can expect that information to come soon.