Participants in the Youth/Mentor Hunt included, front from left, Walker Mollendor, Tucker Mollendor, Sean Heermann, Austin Smith, Konner McCrumb, Kameran McCrumb, Keegan Lathrop, Hayley Rusher and GraCee Goings, back from left, Beau Weiss, Ryan Taylor, Tyler O’Neil, Noah Sandman, Michael Duvel, Grayden Sutherland, James McArthur, Tristen Stumpff and Lessly Pump. (Courtesy photo)
Eighteen youths participate in annual Pheasants Forever hunt
Youth, educators and volunteers headed out to the Pheasants Forever Youth Memorial Park west of Champion for the annual Youth/Mentor Hunt last weekend.
Participants—including 18 youths—attended multiple education sessions in addition to shooting a pheasant with the assistance of their assigned mentor.
Sessions included Gun Safety and Trapshooting with Dave Hogsett and Duke Jaeger; Field First Aid with Josh Burke; Hunting Rules and Regulations with Conservation Officers John Lee and Bryce Streger; Landowner Permission with Matt Denny; and Plant ID and Wildlife Habitat with Heather Francis.
Several of the youths had never been upland bird hunting before, Francis said.
All youths had the opportunity to shoot a pheasant, and 10 of the 18 youths were successful.
“The day was successful in bringing together new hunters and sparking an interest for experienced and new hunters to head to the field in the coming weeks,” Francis said.
“Thank you to all the youths, mentors, parents, dog handlers and the volunteers,” she added. “Events like this are not possible without the help of the chapter members and all the volunteers.”