Several youths recently immersed themselves in a unique outdoor experience as part of the Bay Minette Police Department's third annual Hour Glass Program. Twelve young men, aged 12 to 17, accompanied by Police Department personnel and local chaperones, participated in a deer hunt during the program.

Sponsored by the School Resource Officers (SROs), the Hour Glass Program serves as a platform for the department to engage with young members of the community. The selected youths have the opportunity to partake in enjoyable excursions such as hunting and fishing, as well as life skill sessions covering topics like vehicle maintenance. Additionally, the program offers tours of local businesses and industries.

"The goal is to provide the youth with life lessons and experiences to pique their interest for the future," Police Chief Al Tolbert said. "Another goal is to offer our law enforcement officers the opportunity to mentor our youth and provide a positive atmosphere for the officers outside of their daily duties."

The hunting excursion involves a day dedicated to gun safety, range practice, and the proper handling of firearms during hunting. Participants also learn the correct methods for field dressing and cleaning harvested deer. Additional activities include ATV riding, safe campfire building, and learning safety tips related to hunting practices. While all participants had the chance to observe deer and other wildlife, seven of the 12 youths had the unique opportunity to harvest their first deer this year.

Tolbert said that the Hour Glass Program opens doors for youths to experiences they might not encounter otherwise. SROs, along with fellow officers and community volunteers, contributed to making the experience memorable for everyone involved. Tolbert noted that many chaperones found the program to be a transformative opportunity for both themselves and the youth.

"All the officers and others who helped as a chaperone told me they got more out of this program than anything else they participated in," Tolbert said. "Others mentioned that this was one of the most humbling experiences to help someone and experience the first time they had the opportunity to harvest a deer."
Tolbert said this program is made possible by the generous support of local donors and chaperones who volunteer their time and services.

Hour Glass Hunting Sponsors include: Majors Creek Hunting Club, Norris Funeral Home, In Care K12, Fly High Goose Foundation, Stella Jones/Baldwin Pole and Piling, and Stockton Deer Processing.

Majors Creek Hunting Club in Rabun once again hosted the event, providing lunch for participants and chaperones over the three-day program. Club members played a crucial role in coordinating lunch and assigning hunting areas.

Stockton Deer Processing assisted by cleaning and processing the deer harvested by the young men, providing the meat to their families at no charge. In Care K12 contributed funds to purchase camouflage clothing for each hunter, while the Fly High Goose Foundation supplied hunters with orange caps.

Chaperones for the trips included Chief Al Tolbert, SRO Sergeant Kendrick Banks, SRO Corporal Jeff Weaver, SRO Corporal Paul Adams, Sergeant Justin Kelly (Bay Minette Police Department); Captain Andre Reid, Lieutenant Matt Morrison, Lieutenant Austin Jones, Sergeant John Barlow, Corporal Nick Richardson (Baldwin County Sheriff's Office); Jonathan Norris (Norris Funeral Home); Dewayne Stewart; sponsor Stella Jones; Baldwin County High School Principal Richard Paul and Baldwin County High School instructor Destin Harris.

"The youth who participated were very grateful for the experience and appreciated the efforts and generosity for all those who made it possible," Tolbert said. "This is truly a community partnership."