If you would like to be notified of a last minute opening, please click on the ‘waiting list’ link below. In your e-mail, please include you cell phone number so that we can reach you quickly.
Purpose:
To build meaningful relationships with other outdoorsmen for the purpose of leading them to, or back to, Jesus Christ.
Keynote speaker:
Rob Purdy
Volunteer Development Director
Blast & Cast Men’s Ministries
Flight Assignments:
The event will be organized into Flights in order to ensure that new participants don’t get lost in the large group. Each Flight will have a Flight Leader that will serve as the primary contact for all participants and a Flight Leader’s Assistant that will direct all hunting activities. You will meet your Flight Leader after check in.
Dates and Special Check In Procedures:
Primary check in will begin on Thursday, January 7, 2020 from 4pm until 10pm at Cottage 1 near the front of the resort. Late check in will be on Friday, January 8, from 5am until 6am. We will have a specialized check in process this year due to COVID. This process will include a temperature check and a signed declaration that you have been symptom free and have not come into contact with anyone that has tested positive for COVID within 2 weeks of your arrival. No participants will be allowed to enter a room, remain at the resort, join a meeting, or join a hunting party without going through check in. If you arrive after 10pm on Thursday, you will need to secure your own lodging for that night and check in on Friday morning.
The event will officially begin at 6am the morning of Friday, January 8 and will end after the hunt the morning of Sunday, January 10. Everyone must check out by noon on Sunday.
Liability/Minors:
All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver at sign in, and participants under 18 years of age must have a parent, grandparent, or guardian present at the event.
Lodging:
We will be staying at Pelican Bay Resort, which is located at 4206 N Hwy 35 @ Pelican Bay Lane, Rockport-Fulton, Tx 78382. Their phone numbers are 866-729-7177(toll free) and 361-729-7177. You can obtain directions at www.pelicanbayresort.com, and a map has been provided below. Lodging will be provided for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night.
Hunting:
All hunting takes place via volunteers who are donating the use of their boat and gear for the weekend. Each volunteer will be assigned a hunting party for the weekend at random. While we keep fathers and sons together, usually you will be hunting with people you don’t know. This is done purposefully so please don’t be surprised. We are encouraging the volunteers to take their parties on all day hunts Friday and Saturday, followed by a quick morning hunt on Sunday, in order to make boating easier and safer by eliminating night runs and to increase our effectiveness by hunting the mid day flights. It should also create more down time for participants to interact. Party assignments will be posted at your Flight HQ. Please see your volunteer boat owner or your Flight Leader for assistance or special needs with regard to hunting.
Please note that our volunteer boat owners are receiving no compensation for their services and are paying for their spot at the event. They are not professionals, and are simply volunteering their boats, gear, and know how so that you can have a good time. Because of this, please take the utmost care of their gear and plan to share in any expenses incurred (such as gas for the boat).
Dogs:
All volunteer boat owners have the option of bringing their dog. Any hunters wishing to bring their dog should contact Brodie Cooper to make certain that arrangements can be made. Dog owners should use extreme caution due to the high amount of shell in the areas we will hunt which can cause great harm to a dog if proper precautions are not taken. Dogs can be kept inside the other rooms so long as they remain inside a kennel at all times while inside. You will also be expected to clean up after your dog while outside of the hotel rooms.
Meals:
Dinner will be provided for Friday and Saturday nights’ meal. Breakfast will be served Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning. Drinks and snacks will be available in limited amounts. It’s recommended that participants plan to eat lunch at one of the local restaurants in between hunts and pack their favorite soft drinks and blind snacks.
Freebies/Door prizes:
Every youth participant will receive a door prize. Door prizes for adults and event t-shirts may be offered as donations and budget allows.
Donations:
Donations are tax deductible! Our events do not operate at a profit so we are dependent on donations to fund the organization and maintain the low cost nature of our events. We are currently seeking individual, corporate, and church partnerships to assist in our effort to reach outdoorsmen. Financial and merchandise donations are accepted. If you would like to be a part of the Blast & Cast mission, please contact Brodie Cooper for more information.
What to bring:
Fathers must bring a life vest for their child under 16. Valid Texas hunting license with hunter’s education requirements, HIP certification, and state and federal waterfowl stamps. Shotgun with plug. Non-toxic shotshells (size 2 or 4 shot is best). Waders, waterproof camouflage coat, insulated layering, facemask, camouflage hat. Please bring a chair or stool to use in the field, and bring extras if you have them. Duck strap. An open mind, open heart, and a good attitude.
Contact info:
The event chairman is Brodie Cooper. If you need information prior to the event please contact Brodie via e-mail at [email protected]. If you need assistance on the road or during the event, please contact him via phone at 832-330-8121. We recommend that volunteer boat owners and their hunters exchange cell phone numbers at the event to stay in contact.
Schedule of Events
Thursday
9am Volunteer training in the Clubhouse (invitation only due to COVID precautions)
3pm-10pm Primary check in at Cottage 1
8pm Check in deadline for volunteer boat owners
Friday
5am-6am Late check in at Cottage 1
5am Breakfast served at the Clubhouse
6am Welcome ceremony and safety guidelines at the Clubhouse
6:30am Scheduled departure for Friday’s hunt
7:30pm Dinner served at the Clubhouse
8pm Evening devotion at the Clubhouse
Saturday
5am Breakfast served at the Clubhouse
5:15am Morning prayer outside your Flight HQ
5:30am Scheduled departure for Saturday’s hunt
7:30pm Dinner served at the Clubhouse
8pm Keynote Speaker at the Clubhouse
8:30pm Door prizes at the Clubhouse
Sunday
5am Cold breakfast served at the Clubhouse
5:15am Morning prayer outside your Flight HQ
5:30am Scheduled departure for Sunday’s hunt
Noon Check out and depart