Mild temperatures made for a pleasant day when Rep. Bill Hixon (Dist. 83) and 14 young hunters went afield on Feb. 9 in search of squirrels as part of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Take One Make One (TOMO) program. After lunch at Cowden Plantation in Aiken County the hunters set off with five sets of dogs and their handlers in search of their quarry.

The hunt started at 2 p.m., lasted until dusk and proved successful for all those involved with forty-one squirrels bagged. Rep. Hixon’s dog “Bones” proved the champion by treeing 15.

“Having a great day in the field doesn’t mean harvesting the bag limit,” said Rep. Hixon. “It’s about being outdoors and enjoying time with family and friends and creating lasting memories.”

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources would like to thank the following sponsors for partnering on this event: Cowden Plantation, Grice’s Butcher Shop and Dan & Tina Sullivan.

TOMO is designed to teach safe hunting practices to students who have no previous outdoor hunting experience. This program will increase their awareness and the value of wildlife and the natural environment by encouraging experienced adults to “pass on” traditional outdoor skills. TOMO emphasizes teaching safe and ethical hunting, the conservation and responsible use of our natural resources and character education.

To find out more check: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/tomo/.