Trigg County Longspurs Hosts 2023 JAKES Day

JAKES, or Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship, is a program specifically designed to inform, educate, and engage youth 17 and younger in wildlife conservation and the responsible management of our natural resources.

Approximately 30 JAKES members attended the event and participated in a range of activities, including outdoor skills instruction, games, prize giveaways and a cookout lunch.

JAKES members took part in BB gun shooting, .22 rifle shooting, archery, fishing and skeet shooting. Additionally, instructors held a gun safety class that included proper shooting instruction for all participants, including parents.

During the event, Longspurs Chapter President Ben Harper took the opportunity to deliver a special presentation on behalf of the chapter to J.D. Williams, the founder of Mohawk Outdoors. The mission of Mohawk Outdoors is to support veterans in their healing process by integrating outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, camping and survival activities into their lives. To contribute to this cause, the Trigg County Longspurs donated $1,500 to Mohawk Outdoors to assist in funding hunting trips for veterans.

“J.D. has been an absolute pleasure to get to know and has such a positive outlook on life,” Harper said. “We are proud to be able to do all that we can for our local combat veterans.”

Events like the Trigg County Longspurs JAKES Day play a crucial role in passing on the important traditions of responsible hunting, while also teaching valuable principles such as habitat management, hunting ethics and safety. By actively involving youth in these activities, the JAKES program aims to instill a sense of stewardship and respect for the environment, ensuring that future generations continue to be knowledgeable and ethical participants in outdoor pursuits.

To learn more about the JAKES programs and events near you, visit the NWTF website here.

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 conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale. 

2023 is the NWTF's 50^th Anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50-year celebration, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the NWTF's people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.