Benedictine’s Conservation and Hunt Program off to great start
RICHMOND, Va. — Benedictine Schools of Richmond’s Conservation and Hunt Program, founded by Head of School Del Smith and teacher Michael Kaplan, is entering its second year. The two former classmates (who graduated from the school in 2001) plan multiple events over the course of the school year for students who are interested in hunting and fishing.
The biggest event of the year for the club is the annual Hunt and Gather, last held on October 21, which included a morning pheasant tower shoot, an afternoon upland hunt and an evening gathering at Orapax Hunting Reserve in Goochland to cap off the night.
Event sponsors were the RJ Smith Companies, founded by Richard E. Smith (Benedictine ‘88), and Virginia Metal Systems. “The Hunt and Gather was a great time for all students in attendance,” said Aidan Mugford ‘25. “It is a great event for the school and the food was exquisite.” A fundraising event for the club, Hunt and Gather netted $81,000.
Fishing also plays a large role in the group’s activities. The club mostly fishes for bass and trout, but they occasionally fly-fish as well. Fly fishing differs from traditional fishing because the anglers use a light-weight artificial fly. These flies require special equipment (including line) as well as a “whipsaw” technique for casting. On Dec. 10, club members traveled to Escatawba Farms Fly Fishing in Alleghany, Va.
“This club is great because it brings together people with all different experiences helping each other out,” said George Townley ‘25. “You can have very experienced hunters or some people who have never even shot a gun before.” The club attracts participants from many backgrounds and cost is not a prohibiting factor because the proceeds from Hunt and Gather help with hunting and fishing expenses. The program is founded on access, opportunity and safety.
The club plans to participate in a snow goose hunt Jan. 16-17 on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Later in the spring they hope to take part in a local deer hunt in Goochland. Although the hunt program is fairly new, especially when compared with the long history of Benedictine, the group has gained interest at a rapid pace while developing a focus on conservation of natural resources, especially of delta waterfowl, and action, such as lobbying for conservation efforts. Its members are well aware of the fragility of this planet and the value that hunters and anglers bring to conservation efforts.
After all, these students have a lifetime of outdoor adventure ahead of them.
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