RMA hopes to help its neighbors with deer hunt

GAINESVILLE - There may finally be some relief for people in the Riverside Drive area in Gainesville, plagued for several years by deer running up and down their streets and through their yards.

Because of what school officials call "an over-abundant deer population" on the campus of Riverside Military Academy (RMA), a Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sanctioned archery hunt will be held November 24-26 and December 22-24.

Riverside Commandant Lt. Col. Kevin Jarrard said "Our campus here is 206 acres in the heart of a residential neighborhood (and) obviously it becomes a sanctuary for the deer."

Col. Jarrard added "We really feel like it's a service to the community to thin the deer population and get back to really what's sustainable."

Per Georgia State Code, no firearms will be allowed on RMA property. Hunting rules will be the same as those in effect when hunting on a DNR Wildlife Management Area.

Hunters will be selected via a raffle - five hunters for the November hunt and five for the December hunt. Winning tickets will be drawn at The Outdoor Depot in Gainesville at 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 8. The 10 winning tickets will be drawn by the RMA Cadet Battalion Commander or his designee.

Ticket holders will not be required to be present in order to win. Winners will be contacted by phone or email. Both hunts will occur while the Riverside Corps of Cadets is on holiday furlough.

Raffle tickets are available for $20 each at The Outdoor Depot in Gainesville, at the Riverside business office or at Riverside home football games. Multiple tickets may be purchased.

For complete hunt rules visit the Riverside website at www.riversidemilitary.com or call (770) 539-9356.

Proceeds from the sale of tickets will benefit Riverside Military Academy.