The Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America is giving several disabled hunters the chance to get in the woods and bag a deer in Covington County this weekend.

“This is the second year that we have done a hunt in Alabama,” PCBA member and hunt coordinator Dirk Price said. “Last year, we had six hunters and this year that number has gone up to nine.”

Price, who is blind, has been a longtime member of the PCBA and said he enjoys being able to be a part of this special organization.

“The PCBA is a non-profit group that helps gives hunters the opportunity to get back in the woods and hunt,” Price said. “Some of these people may have difficulties getting into the woods by themselves, and the PCBA helps give them that opportunity.”

On Thursday afternoon, some of the hunters for this weekend’s hunt came down to Covington County Bowhunters Archery Range where they practiced target shooting to prepare for the hunts.

“Today is just about getting the ones who haven’t shot a crossbow before and getting them comfortable,” Price said. “It also gives up a chance to see what kind of distance they are comfortable shooting.”

Price said that none of it would be possible without overwhelming support from donors and volunteers.

“The only thing they have to pay for is the transportation to get here,” Price said. “Through donors and volunteers, we are able to provide meals for the whole trip, the bows if they need one, hunting licences and lodging.”

Sponsors for the event include Wal-Mart, Realtree, David’s Catfish, Andalusia Distributing Company, Covington County Bank, Southwest Alabama Gas District, PowerSouth, City of Andalusia, Marvin’s, Huddle House, Pepsicola of Luverne, Custom Collars, Tractor Supply, JR’s Lawnmower Shop, Parker Bows, Old Gin/Brantley, Miracle League of Covington County, Men’s Fellowship/ First United Methodist Church of Andalusia, Andalusia Lions Club, Scottish Rite, Southern Fowl Mouth, Hard Luck Hunting Club and several donations from individuals.

“We have also had five landowners that are allowing us to use their land for hunts,” Price said. “We also have several people that have volunteered to be guides. Some of the hunters prefer to hunt alone, but there are others that need assistance either getting to the blind or getting their equipment set up. We’ve got close to 30 ground blinds set up around different properties, so hopefully each of these hunters will have the opportunity to shoot a deer. This is really something I enjoy doing. It’s a chance to give back and get new people into hunting.”