By NIVA DOROUGH / Community Columnist

Richard Moore of Westover was privileged recently to spend a relaxing weekend with his brother, Robert (Little Bit) at Cedar Lake Lodge and Hunting Resort in Wilcox County. Richard is a true native of Westover: he was actually born at home. He said “I was born in the house my Father built.”

He is a graduate of Vincent High School, served his country for seven years in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Married to Theresa (McManus), has two children and three grandchildren.

He worked as a training consultant, now retired, and said he and Theresa recently attended eight ball games in one week to see their grandchildren play.

The hunting trip was given away at a Wild Game Feast held at Mt. Signal Baptist Church. Richard received the winning ticket.

When called about going, he said he can always make time to go turkey hunting!

The hunt was hosted by land owner Robert Gardner, formerly of Westover. During their stay, Richard and his brother were treated to country-style breakfasts, coffee on the covered porch overlooking the six-acre lake, fishing and riding over the property.

Robert, also his guide, placed him in a favorite place where he had located several turkeys , then it was up to Richard to call them up and take his shot … and that is just what he did!!

He has been hunting since he was 12 years old, and said it is one of his favorite past times.

He said there is nothing like getting up before dawn, going in the woods on a spring morning, breathing in the sometimes cool, fresh air and enjoying the quietness and peacefulness of what God created for us to enjoy.

When you get into that “prime place” where you begin quietly calling up a turkey, then, you see a gobbler strutting around, looking in all directions, suddenly it’s time to pull the trigger. Your heart begins to race, and you hope that your hand will be steady. What a great feeling whether you want to bring home dinner, or hang it on the wall, you have just killed a turkey.

Richard said his children and grandchildren always ask for fried wild turkey to be served at all of their holidays, so it puts the pressure on him to “bag a big one (or two)” before season ends on April 30.

Niva Dorough can be reached at nivasinger@aol.com.