Local NWTF Pennsylvania Chapter Inspires Youth at 23rd Annual JAKES Day

The event was hosted at the Ontelaunee Rod and Gun Club and this year, youth and their families traveled from across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to attend. Attendees spent about 45 minutes at 10 learning stations. One of the standout learning stations was the turkey hunting 101 course, taught by NWTF staff and volunteers. The course provided an in-depth understanding of the wild turkey’s history and biology. The kids were then able to get their hands on some box calls.  

“It was like music to my ears,” said Bob Schwalm, Pennsylvania JAKES coordinator. “I was teaching archery nearby and hearing youngsters doing these different calls was pretty impressive.”  

Along with Schwalm’s archery station and the turkey hunting 101 station, other JAKES hands-on courses included BB gun and .410 shotgun shooting. With all classes involving firearms, safety was strongly emphasized.  

The local NWTF chapter partnered with Trout Unlimited for a fishing class and with the Pennsylvania Trapping Association for a session on the value of trapping. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission also led a class on canoeing. 

The Xtreme JAKES courses, which were geared toward youth ages 14 to 17, focused on educating them as they get closer to the age of venturing out on their own hunts. This included courses on orienteering, tree stand climbing and safety, following a blood trail, rifle and flintlock shooting, trapshooting and anatomy and shot placement. The PGC also hosted a hunting forensics class.  

As volunteers reflect on the day, they were able to share stories about seeing their efforts pay off. 

“Everybody says, ‘Hey, what I did today was worth it,’” Schwalm said. “What's just as important as teaching the kids is the guardians are required to be there, and they learn at the same time. I had a grandmother about five years who said, ‘I just want you to know that I'm not in favor of this.’ And I asked her to keep an open mind and come back and see me at the end of the day. Well, she did, and she said, ‘I think this was great, and what I've learned today has totally changed my mind about my opinion on hunting.’ This is the kind of impact that we're making on not only our future hunters, but also on people that came in here with a not-so-favorable attitude towards hunting.” 

Schwalm and his committee strive to make JAKES events like this more contagious.  

“We've got to get more youth field days, and we've got to get more people out mentoring, and if we don't, we're going to be in trouble,” Schwalm said. “But I'm still very optimistic, and I believe that as long as there’re organizations like the NWTF around and people that belong to them, they're going to strive to turn it around.” 

He’s already seeing the successes of his efforts as folks are returning to volunteer at this event years after participating in the programs themselves, which has been gratifying.  

“I get goosebumps, because this is what it’s all about, passing the torch and seeing them step up to the plate and help educate young people. We're doing this for the future and for their future.” 

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. 

About the National Wild Turkey Federation    

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.