NWTF Prickett’s Fort Limb Hangers Celebrate Successful JAKES Day

JAKES — Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship — is a National Wild Turkey Federation program designed to introduce youth to outdoor traditions and foster respect for nature and wildlife conservation. 

This year’s event featured four exciting activity stations: 

• Archery and BB gun shooting, conducted by officers from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) Police. 

• Turkey calling, led by J.W. Moore of WoodHaven Custom Calls. 

• Tanning and tomahawk throwing, led by Tim and Sherry Gump of Gump Gallery and Studio of Fine Art. 

The Fairview Volunteer Fire Department was on-site throughout the day with their vehicles for all participants to view, while Muriale’s Italian Kitchen provided a delicious catered lunch for attendees and volunteers. 

The youth were treated to a live presentation by the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, where children met and learned about four special guest birds, gaining a deeper appreciation for native wildlife and conservation efforts. 

Adding to the educational fun, attendees also enjoyed a demonstration by the WVDNR K-9 unit, where officers showcased how their dog “Duke” helps locate items such as shell casings, shotgun shells and phones to aid investigations — showing the real-world applications of training, teamwork and outdoor skills. 

Participants received a certificate of completion, a complimentary one-year NWTF JAKES membership and selected a take-home prize from a table of outdoor-inspired gifts. Two lucky grand prize winners took home larger prizes — one received a full camping set including a tent, chairs and fishing gear, while the other won a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun with targets and a shooting game. 

“Our JAKES Day was a wonderful success,” said Segrid Knight, chapter secretary. “As a chapter, we’re proud to create opportunities like this that encourage families to step outside, learn together and carry on the hunting and conservation heritage we all value. Events like JAKES Day remind us why it’s so important to invest in the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Watching these youth learn new skills and build confidence in the outdoors is incredibly rewarding.” 

The Prickett’s Fort Limb Hangers chapter will announce the date for the 2026 JAKES Day on their social media pages. Anyone interested in hearing more about the local NWTF PFLH work or getting involved with the local NWTF chapter — through membership, volunteering, or event participation — is encouraged to reach out via email at pflimbhangers@gmail.com.