December 10, 2014
Media Advisory – Veterans Deer Camp
Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center is hosting its inaugural Veterans Deer Camp this weekend and reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to attend.
The camp is open to all SIU students who are veterans. The camp will begin about mid-day, Friday, Dec. 12, and continue until 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14.
In addition to deer hunting in the wooded areas, participants will learn about hunting techniques, wildlife management and the history of deer hunting in Southern Illinois.
The most opportune time for media to attend to secure good interviews, photographs and film footage is from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. At that time, hunters will be returning from their hunts and participating in a primitive deer processing demonstration. The action will take place in the area of the Camp II dining hall.
The archery deer hunt is a collaborative venture involving Touch of Nature Environmental Center, SIU Carbondale’s Veterans Services and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The center, located about eight miles south of Carbondale off Giant City Road, has previously hosted hunts for people with disabilities but this is the first hunt geared toward veterans.
Because Touch of Nature Environmental Center will close to the public during the deer camp for safety reasons, media should call 618/453-1121 or email csheehan@siu.edu no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, to schedule a visit on Saturday or at another time during the three-day event.