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The 26th Annual Fort Dale Academy Deer Hunt (FDADH) is set for Jan. 12-13. The FDADH is a charitable, non-profit LLC organized to benefit the students of Fort Dale Academy, as all funds raised go toward college dual enrollment classes for students at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (LBW).

Every second weekend of January over 50 hunters participate and local, generous land owners in the community open their parcels up to the hunters for the weekend. The parcels consist of farms, hunt clubs, private hunting lands and other donated land that is managed and planted by FDADH committee members.

Jana Ealum, treasurer of the Deer Hunt Board, said they are looking forward to a great weekend with close to 55 hunters for fun-filled days of food, fellowship and hunting. 

“We want to say a huge thank you to the Sponsors who help make this a successful event,” Ealum said. “In addition, without our extensive team of volunteers this weekend would not be possible. From the guides and landowners to the skinning shed crew, it takes all hands on deck to make this fundraising event for our school successful.”

According to the hunt website, the event consists of two days of semi-guided whitetail deer hunting during the rut in Alabama’s Black Belt region with local guides on private land. After the last deer are processed attendees will enjoy a catered meal from Wintzell’s, along with Conecuh sausage appetizers. 

The event ends with a lively raffle, silent auction and hunter awards, where a large selection of guns, hunting gear and accessories, art work, excursions and other local gifts are all up for grabs.

The hunt has multiple sponsorship levels for any who wish to be a part of the organization’s funding efforts. The charity has funded over $90,000 in dual enrollment college credits, and more than $50,000 to other academically centered projects on FDA campus.

The 2024 hunt is fully booked. To get on a waiting list you may email info@fortdaledeerhunt.com. All guests must have a ticket to attend the Saturday night banquet. For more information visit the event website at www.fortdaledeerhunt.com, or its Facebook page at Fort Dale Deer Hunt.