Outdoors Youth Event offers archery, shooting, mountain man camp, dog handling
Nevada Daily Mail
The Fifth Annual Outdoors Youth Event returns to Vernon County Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Marmaduke Park. This year's edition is expected to again attract a large attendance.
Hosted by the National Wild Turkey Federation local chapter Osage Prairie Thunderin' Toms, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ducks Unlimited and 4-H Shooting Sports, attendance has been as high as 150 for the free event.
"We have a lot of people who attend," said organizer Adam Dean.
"Three years ago, we were the largest NWTF youth event in the entire state."
Matching the growing interest of participants for the wide range of activities has been the increasing support of the sponsors, said Dean.
"This is all completely free to the kids. We've had good support from the community and our sponsors, who help pay for the event.
"We've gone from one sponsor the first year to 40 this year. So the event is completely paid for. I think this shows well and that our sponsors trust us with their funds to put on a successful event."
The day's events include a range of outdoor sports.
"It's a whole day of activity. We bring all the kids in and rotate them through various event stations by ages.
"They can get experience in archery and black powder, learn about turkey hunting, duck hunting, and deer hunting, shoot at clay pigeons if they're old enough, or fire a BB gun if they're younger."
There will also be dog handling, demonstrating the training needed for hunting dogs.
Additionally, due to a growing interest in survival techniques, the day will include a mountain man camp.
A catered lunch is also part of the day.
A variety of giveaways are planned, with each youth receiving a free membership into the NWTF and DU and information on 4-H Shooting Sports and the Department of Conservation.
All youth present will have a chance at a CZ 22/17 rifle, two bows (one for a boy and one for a girl), a guided spring turkey hunt by Tim Bond, and door prizes.
"We want to keep them interested after they leave the event so we give them some information to take home," said Dean.
"We hold this because we want to pass along our hunting heritage to the next generation. The kids who attend our event may not have any other exposure to these type of activities."
Dean said the Outdoors Youth Event has helped spur interest in the outdoors, noting that the 4-H Shooting Sports group continues to see growth, and that the youth who attend bring not just their guardian but a range of family members.
"We see the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles go with the kids through the different stations.
"We want to encourage everyone to attend. It's a full, fun day of activities. It's a great event to tie in with National Hunting and Fishing Day," concluded Dean. The NHFD began in 1972 when then President Richard Nixon signed the proclamation designating the fourth Saturday of every September.
About the event
When: Saturday, Sept. 26.
Where: Marmaduke Park.
Contact for more information: Adam Dean, 417-448-7380.