The holidays are just around the corner, which inevitably means the Morgan Academy Deer Hunt is soon to follow.

The Morgan Academy Deer Hunt will be taking 50 hunters all over Central Alabama for a weekend of deer hunting, home-cooked food and southern hospitality from Friday, Jan. 15 to Sunday, Jan. 17. Deer Hunt coordinator Mary Margaret Mims said there are people from all over the country, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, who have already registered to take part in the hunt.

The price to register is $950, which provides four hunts, meals and lodging. The money raised for the deer hunt will go toward improving the security of the Morgan Academy campus.

“We are trying to secure our campus as much as possible,” Mims said.

The weekend starts Friday afternoon, when the hunters will be introduced to their guides and go out for their first hunt. Mims said people all around Morgan are willing to provide plenty of places to hunt.

“People donate their land for the weekend,” Mims said. “They’re very generous about donating time to Morgan.”

Saturday consists of two hunts, and the final hunt will be on Sunday. There is also a chicken cookout Friday night and a steak cookout Saturday night.

Mims said those who come from out of town enjoy everything about the deer hunt.

“They love our area,” Mims said. “They love the beauty of the woods around here, and they always compliment on the southern hospitality and they just can’t get enough of the weather.”

Mims said Selma is right in the heart of the area that has made a name for being a popular deer hunting destination.

“The Black Belt is known for their deer hunting and that really draws a lot of people,” Mims said.

Even if registration fills up soon, Mims encourages everyone to come and enjoy a tradition that has been going strong for over 20 years.

“We’d love for people to come out and see what deer are killed and any support they’d like to give, we’d love it,” Mims said.

Mims said Tuesday that she’s already had 45 hunters reserve a spot, and she expects registration to fill up soon. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Mims at 375-1235.