BBD: Big Buck Down Published Nov. 8, 2013 By Airman Lile 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Hunting is a very popular outdoor activity is Mississippi, and there are many different species of animals in this area to hunt. "I have hunted for turkey, ducks and participated in some small bird shoots, but my passion is hunting deer." said Staff Sgt. Cody Howk, 14th Operations Support Squadron and an avid hunter. "I know they do have hog and alligator hunts in this area but I personally haven't had the chance to go on one yet." Most people prefer deer hunting with a rifle but some hunters like the challenge of hunting with a bow. "I prefer hunting with rife, but I love hunting with bow; I just haven't got anything with it yet," said Howk. "It's way more work getting a deer without a gun, but it's a more gratifying feeling hunting with just a bow." Getting involved in hunting can become a little complicated. The best thing to do is to find someone else that hunts and have them show you the ropes, and be sure to take a hunters safety course. "If you haven't already, you absolutely need to take a hunter safety course," said Frank Lockhart, 14th Civil Engineering Squadron and a Game Warden here on Columbus AFB. "It only takes one day and the certification is good for life." Taking a hunters safety course is just the first step in knowing how to hunt; many hunters continue to educate themselves. "I also recommend educating yourself on the kind of animal you are hunting for so you know where to shoot it," said Howk. "I'm big into the conservation aspect of hunting; if you're going to hunt something you better harvest it. It's pretty much appreciating the animal." Finding good land to hunt on is frequently a problem for many hunters. Luckily there is no shortage of places in Mississippi. Such as on Columbus AFB, Black Prairie Wildlife Management Area, Tombigbee National Forest and multiple areas on the Army Corps of Engineering land. "If you're looking for places to hunt there are a lot of areas available here in Mississippi," said Howk. "You can hunt on base of course, but off base there is the Army Corps of Engineering land around the Tennessee Tombigbee River that is open to you. You just have to fill out a free permit." An Airman needs to purchase a permit from Outdoor Recreation to hunt on base. Airmen can hunt in every hunting area with a bow; however an Airman can only hunt in designated areas on base with primitive weapons. "For hunting on base you can only use primitive weapons in certain areas," said Howk. "Be sure to check up on the rules and regulations of what weapons you are allowed to use in the area you are hunting." Hunting, especially with primitive weapons, is a hobby that many Airmen enjoy doing. Most hunters strongly believe in its tradition. "My dad brought me up hunting and it's something I very strongly believe in," said Howk. "It's great as far as the tradition and ability to be self reliant."