State Fair Strutters Inspire the Next Generation Through JAKES Day

Laughter and friendly competition filled the Oak Hill Coon Club in Cole Camp, Missouri, as young outdoor enthusiasts spent the day casting fishing lines, drawing bows and breaking clay targets during the NWTF State Fair Strutters Chapter's annual JAKES Day.

Hosted by dedicated NWTF volunteers, the free event welcomed youth and their families for a day centered on fun, mentorship and making lasting memories outdoors. Participants rotated through stations featuring fishing, archery, air rifles and clay target shooting, while safety presentations and hunting dog demonstrations offered opportunities to learn from experienced outdoorsmen. One of the day's highlights came when retrievers raced across  the pond, showcasing their abilities and drawing smiles and cheers from the crowd.

Nestled in the trees with a scenic pond, the Oak Hill Coon Club was the perfect backdrop for the day of outdoor events. Kids ran around the pond and explored the surrounding area while learning about the wilderness that surrounded them.

While the day was filled with fun, events like JAKES Day serve a larger purpose. By introducing youth to the outdoors and creating positive experiences for families, volunteers are helping recruit and retain the next generation of hunters and conservationists while ensuring our outdoor traditions continue for years to come.

"We do these JAKES days to introduce kids to the outdoors that may not have the opportunities to do so that we did when we were growing up," said Gavin McCue, State Fair Strutters Chapter president. "We have air rifles, fishing, clay pigeons, archery, safety presentations and hunting dog demonstrations as well. Ultimately, we want to see our hunting heritage and traditions passed down to the next generation, and it is up to us to ensure we do just that."

From experienced young outdoorsmen to first-time participants, each child had the opportunity to learn new skills, ask questions and spend the day alongside family members and volunteers who share a passion for the outdoors. Volunteers spent days preparing the site and even had a chance to shoot some clays themselves before the kids arrived. Parents and mentors also had the chance to strengthen connections and introduce youth to traditions that have shaped generations of hunters.

Targets were put away and the fishing poles packed up, but the memories made and lessons learned will continue to influence the next generation of conservationists. Thanks to the commitment of the State Fair Strutters Chapter and its volunteers, dozens of young people left with new experiences, new skills and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors — proof that the future of our hunting heritage remains bright.