HomeMy WebLinkAboutDrakes Landing-Adkins STo members of the Harnett County Board of Adjustment:
I'm writing as a concerned sportsman and outdoor enthusiast regarding any potential change to Drake Landing's agritourism and Harnett Co. zoning status.
As a member of the Quality Deer Management Association, I have experienced first hand how Drake Landing is active is creating and maintaining habitat crucial to sustaining wildlife including
deer, birds (migratory and non-migratory) and other small mammals. This agricultural habitat includes corn and milo crops, food plots, wetlands & transitional and mature forests. Their
management practices (i.e. controlled burning) enhances both the land, natural habitat and wildlife.
These agricultural practices serve to create opportunities and allow access for the general public to experience the outdoors, wildlife and habitat that otherwise they may not be able
to; by way of deer, dove, quail, pheasant and turkey hunting. Their shooting ranges provide a safe environment to prepare for such outings.
I have enjoyed the experience of my son shooting his first deer there. I have enjoyed being in the same stand as my daughter harvesting her 2nd deer. I have enjoyed taking both children
on their first upland bird hunt there, hunting thru crop fields, transition forests and open fields. If this isn't agritourism, I don't know what is. I am planning to take both kids
back for deer hunting this season as well as my son's friend, which will be his first ever deer hunt. Why? Because its convenient, affordable, safe and successful.
What Drake Landing is doing effectively commercially, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and the NC Wildlife Resource Commision are trying to do by way
of a similar program to help farmers generate revenue by allowing paid hunter access, "Farmers Manage Deer Program" (http://www.ncagr.gov/hunt/farmers_manage_deer.asp).
I live in Fuquay Varina-Wake Co. NC deer hunters spent in $187 million in 2013. Look what is happening in Raleigh-Gander Mountain, Bass Pro and Cabelas on the way. Drake Landing and
Harnett Co. are both well positioned to benefit from this retail boom targeted at sportsmen in the greater Raleigh Area.
I urge the Harnett County Board of Adjustment to support Drake Landing. I do.
Sincerely
--
Sid Adkins
M 404.432.0917
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