Gobbler Ridge hosts successful deer hunt for area veterans

By NOREEN HYSLOP Managing Editor Through a cooperative effort involving several entities, another successful deer hunting adventure took place at Gobbler Ridge Farms on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility. The 125-acre farm, located west of Bloomfield, was offered to six area disabled veterans on Tuesday for a day of deer hunting in some prime Stoddard County wilderness. Gobbler Ridge Farm, owned by Tom Love and Alan Hedrick, was transformed into a haven for area disabled veterans in 2012 through a no-cost lease agreement with its owners and the American Legion Post in Dexter. Legion members manage the facility, which includes a spacious, handicap equipped cabin, and the facility operates through generous community donations and a host of volunteers. Along with Love and members of Post 59, making the hunt possible were several members of the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Sikeston Rotary Club, Jerry Elder with Zalma Frozen Foods and members of the National Wild Turkey Federation. The six veterans ended their day with three deer killed. The group enjoyed lunch in the cabin on the farm and a tour of the grounds. The Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility is available to all disabled veterans in the area, regardless of whether the disability is a direct result of their service. Call Tom Love at 573-820-0802 for further information. The farm is available for hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying the abundant wildlife on the farm. Veterans included in the hunt were Chris Hyche, Tony LaForest, Mike Cord, Matt Johnston, Wayne Godwin and Tony Curran