Community Rallies for Upcoming JAKES Day

Last year, the Cleveland County Cutters and Strutters Chapter hosted its JAKES Day with over 207 kids for an action-packed day of learning about conservation and the great outdoors. The 2023 event was recently honored at NWTF’s National Convention and Sport Show with an R3 Award, given to chapters that facilitate hunting heritage events focused on getting new hunters afield.

As the chapter looks toward hosting the event for the 24^th year, local community members are rallying to ensure a fun day for the kids.

John Varnell, NWTF Arkansas volunteer and Cleveland County JAKES Day coordinator, is currently working with local businesses and people in the Cleveland County area who know how impactful the JAKES Day is for the next generation of hunters and conservationists.

“Some adults that brought their children to our event last year remembered going to NWTF JAKES Day events when they were kids,” Varnell said. “It is known in our community the lasting impact that these events have on our youth. That is why so many folks are happy to help make it the best possible event it can be. Word of mouth is spreading like wildfire, and we already have piles of kids from different counties planning on showing up. We can’t wait!” 

Currently, Varnell and the Cleveland County Cutters and Strutters have raised enough funds to purchase a trailer full of goodies to give away, including firearms, fishing rods, survival kits and other outdoor gear, and have ensured that all kids who attend the free event will leave with a full belly, a t-shirt and a Bible.

The chapter used creative fundraising efforts to make this event happen. Notably, the chapter recently hosted a squirrel hunt, bringing the community together and raising additional funds for the forthcoming JAKES Day.

“The squirrel hunt is just a fun way to bring everybody together, see who gets bragging rights for bagging the most squirrels, but most importantly, it shows our local hunting community coming together to help our JAKES program,” Varnell said. “It’s a way for hunters to give back to the youth and inspire them; it comes full circle.”

Funds were raised through hunter entry fees and for the number of shots taken during the hunt.

“The first 12 shots are free, but then hunters pay an extra dollar per shot after that,” Varnell said. “When asked how many shots they took, hunters just said ‘a bunch.’ It is all about giving back.”

From the squirrel hunt, the countless volunteer hours and the many local businesses and companies that have donated, the Cleveland County community is ensuring its 24^th annual JAKES Day will be a success and impact the lives of the local youth for the better.

The JAKES Day will take place March 2 at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Rison. Registration for the free event begins at 7:30 a.m., with education activities starting at 8 a.m. The educational stations scheduled for this year’s event include wildlife interpreters from Cane Creek State Park, Jeff Lawson of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission with a display of wild animal pelts, Tyler Phillips and Matt Ingram teaching shooting safety, wild game trapping, taxidermy, and anglers from the University of Arkansas at Monticello bass team. In addition, there will be a wide variety of exhibits to visit, including the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission aquarium featuring native fish, plus race trucks from the Wildman Mud Track, Ham radio operators and more.

Established in 1981, the NWTF’s JAKES program is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youths 17 and younger in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. JAKES events help pass on the traditions of responsible hunting, teach the principles of habitat management, hunting ethics and safety.

For $10 a year, JAKES receive a year subscription to JAKES Country magazine (four issues), a chance to win a hunt of a lifetime and a membership card.

In addition to JAKES Day events, NWTF chapters across the country host various events that engage youth in the outdoors, including mentored hunts for a variety of game species. 

Learn how you can get involved as a volunteer with the NWTF, or look for an upcoming JAKES event in your area.