CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Deer hunting season is an exciting time for outdoorsmen stationed at Cherry Point. From September to the beginning of January, hunters scout designated game lands at the air station, hoping for a trophy buck.
After a successful outing, hunters notify the station game warden and proceed to the stations game check facility to clean and prepare their game.
Now, thanks to the station Natural Resources Office and Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, hunters have a refurbished facility to prep their meat, according to Carmen A. Lombardo, the natural resources manager for Cherry Point.
“The project is a cooperative venture between the environmental affairs department and Marine Wing Support Squadron 271,” said Lombardo “The actual structure that they are working on is called a game check facility. It’s a small structure that’s used to help support the recreational hunting program here at Cherry Point.”
Before improvements, the structure left hunter’s game open and unprotected, according to Lombardo.
“It had just a really basic shed leaning roof on it, it was sturdy but it needed to be improved,” said Lombardo. The open facility left hunters and their game open to the elements, including leaves and unwanted pests.
The project required the assistance of MWSS-271. The Marines helped refurbish the building, extending the roof lining to cover the meat cooler and reinforcing the roof to protect the cleaning area from the elements, according to Lombardo.
“It’s a really good social point for the recreational hunting program,” said Lombardo.
The MWSS-271 Marines used the opportunity to help improve the station facility and practice their engineering skills. The unique project gave the Marines a chance to build on abilities outside the normal routine, according to Sgt. Adam Good, the supervising noncommissioned officer for the project.
Concluding the project, both natural resources and the Marines with MWSS-271 were impressed with the new improvements. Not only do hunters and essential game handling personnel have a facility out of the elements, but they also have equipment that decreases the possibility of injury when handling the game.
“I think people are going to say that it looks nice, they like it and that people are going to appreciate it,” said Good.
For more information regarding hunting opportunities at Cherry Point visit Cherry Points Game Warden home page at www.cherrypoint.marines.mil/Resources/GameWarden.aspx or call the Conservation Law Enforcement Office at 466-3242.