Happy Opening Day to all of you deer hunters out there!

Hunting has always been a popular pastime in Lawrence County. During the Civil War, the city of Lawrenceburg was abandoned to such an extent that wild animals flourished in the town’s streets and buildings.

In the spring of 1865, when the war was over and people began to return to Lawrenceburg, a local man is said to have shot and killed a fine buck right on the Public Square.

But perhaps no Lawrence County hunter has a greater reputation than Colonel David Crockett. In the late 1810s or early 1820s, when Crockett was living in Lawrence County, a Giles County minister was preaching a sermon here one Sabbath.

His sermon made reference to Nimrod, whom the Book of Genesis called “a mighty hunter before the Lord.” But at the climactic moment, the preacher forgot Nimrod’s name. When he called out to his congregation, “Tell me friends, what is the name of that mighty hunter before the Lord?” an old man in the back shouted, “David Crockett!” which caused the congregation to erupt in laughter.

Do you have any hunting tales that you would like to share? Post them in a comment!