Concerns about foul weather that moved into Kansas Wednesday and is forecast to linger, forced reschedule of Saturday’s Youth Shoot, a function of the local National Wild Turkey Federation chapter.
“We looked at the forecast and decided it was best to wait for better weather,” said Steve Barlow, regional NWTF director.
The event will be on land owned by Craig Abbott about a mile northeast of Carlyle.
Youths will have opportunities to shoot B-B guns, bows and arrows, .22 caliber rifles and shotguns.
It will be more than just a day for target shooting, Barlow said.
“The kids will receive safety instruction” before any hands-on use, Barlow said.
The event is open to youths 5 to 18, but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Lunch will be provided and prizes will be given.
A requirement before participation is for each child to join the NWTF’s Jakes group, which has a mission to encourage and educate kids about hunting and the outdoors. Cost is $10.
A jake is a young tom turkey.
Barlow said NWTF is aware of how closely hunting has been associated with U.S. history and many of the programs it sponsors, including the Youth Shoot, are designed to preserve Americans’ hunting heritage.
“This is our next generation of outdoor sportsmen,” Barlow said. “We want them to develop an interest, and do so in a safe manner.”
On a broad scale, the NWTF has a role in conservation of habitat and wildlife, including more than just turkeys. This area once offered some of the best quail hunting in the nation, so good that it drew sportsman from far and wide. The group is working to restore area quail populations.
Youth shoot rescheduled
