Sharing the hunting tradition might seem like a trendy thing for some but in rural communities across Virginia it’s an annual rite of passage marked by yearly hunts, meals, youth events and even charitable donations.
Every January such an event takes place in Louisa County, Virginia. An annual Rabbit Round Up occurs after deer season and is the fruit of an effort organized by Bumpass community hunters Andrew Hall, Mike Cash and Nick Barlow.
These men combined January 22 to provide the fourth annual hunting day for Louisa youth at Heath Honse’s Red Shovel Farm.
Honse hosted the event on his 100-acre farm where rabbits abound, providing a hearty breakfast and a safe hunting environment for the youth. Between Honse and the participants $400 was raised for the Roger Byrd Charitable Fund administered to by Gilboa Church in nearby Mineral.
“I’d like to thank Heath for providing a great day of hunting for our kids. His generosity not only permitted us to share rabbit hunting to a new generation, it also provided funding to assist local people down on their luck,” noted Andrew Hall.
Virginia rabbit season runs through February 28. The daily limit is six per day.
The Roger Byrd Fund provides relief for local residents behind on electric bills or other common needs. To contribute to the Roger Byrd Fund, send your donations to Gilboa Church, PO Box 214; Mineral, VA 23117.