Local NWTF Chapter JAKES Day Sparks New Outdoor Interests

14 kids gathered Aug. 15 at Don’s Hunting Preserve in Cecilia, Kentucky, where they rotated through several outdoor activities throughout the morning. For some, the activities were familiar. For others, the day offered an entirely new experience.

The local NWTF chapter purchased 150 pounds of catfish for the fishing station and provided equipment and ammunition for the day’s activities. A chapter committee member who previously worked as an archery instructor helped oversee the archery station, while an NWTF shooting trailer provided a mobile BB gun range. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources personnel were also on hand, allowing eligible participants who had completed their hunter education coursework to complete the shooting portion at the BB gun range.

At another station, kids could try shooting clay targets with a .410 or 20-gauge shotgun.

It was there — and at the fishing pond earlier that morning — that Heartland Chapter Vice President Justin Winingham saw the kind of impact committee members had hoped the event would have.

Two participants had never fished or fired a gun before. One of them caught the largest fish of the day before heading to the shotgun station. He was nervous about shooting at first but tried the .410 and enjoyed it enough to keep shooting.

The impact continued after the event.

The following day, Winingham received a call from the boy’s father asking where he could buy a .410 shotgun and fishing equipment because his son wanted to continue both activities.

For Winingham, that call showed the chapter had accomplished what it set out to do.

“By the time they left, the only thing they could think about was hunting, fishing, and archery and being outdoors,” Winingham said. “So, you know, they’re our future. It was something that I think we’re all proud to be a part of.”

Don’s Hunting Preserve provided the setting for the event. NWTF Heartland Chapter committee members have hunted pheasants at the preserve for years, and the business has also supported the chapter’s annual banquet. Its pond, shooting areas and lodge allowed the chapter to host the activities in one convenient location before bringing everyone together for lunch.

While the chapter has hosted JAKES and Wheelin’ Sportsmen events in the past, this was the first JAKES Day organized by many of its current committee members.

Several longtime volunteers had helped with similar outreach efforts years ago. Winingham said the addition of newer committee members has brought fresh enthusiasm to the chapter and helped spread the workload among more volunteers.

“When our new committee members and everybody got together, it just kind of, I guess, breathed new life into our chapter,” Winingham said.

That enthusiasm carried through the event. Committee members initially wondered how they would manage the number of kids who had signed up, but a strong group of volunteers helped keep each station running throughout the morning.

By the end of the day, positive feedback from families had committee members already talking about bringing the event back next year.

For the Heartland Chapter, the inaugural JAKES Day was an opportunity to introduce young people to outdoor activities they can continue long after the event. For at least one family, the next fishing trip or trip to the shooting range was already being planned less than 24 hours later.

With its first event in the books, the chapter hopes JAKES Day will become a tradition that gives even more Kentucky kids an opportunity to discover something they enjoy outdoors.

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.