Local NWTF Pennsylvania Chapters Collaborate to Establish New Youth Event
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — In Pennsylvania, three local chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation — the Fort Chambers Chapter, the Michaux-Yellow Breeches Chapter and the Shippensburg Strutters — worked together to host a JAKES Day event at the Big Spring Fish and Game Club in Newville, Pennsylvania.
“We all believe that hunting is more than sport,” said Debbie Bobb, NWTF Michaux-Yellow Breeches Chapter secretary. “Every kid needs experienced mentors to learn how hunting can help kids develop discipline, patience, confidence and endurance."
Despite the rainy weather, 20 young attendees came to learn from experienced NWTF volunteers at the JAKES Day event. JAKES stands for: "juniors acquiring knowledge, ethics and sportsmanship."
NWTF chapters were also excited to welcome Pennsylvania state Rep. Barbara Gleim, who attended the full day of activities to show her support for the outdoors and for Pennsylvania’s young hunters.
The day kicked off with a presentation from Reina Tyl, Pennsylvania Game Commission wild turkey biologist, about the biology and ecology of the wild turkey.
The young attendees then moved through four interactive stations, including learning how to run turkey calls and shooting at the shotgun range.
“Many of them had fired shotguns before, but most of them did not know the importance of determining the pattern of their shot,” said Bobb. “Many of them got their first introduction to formal gun range protocol and safety, and they were also introduced to the different types of shotguns and sighting systems. For some of them, it was the first time they had seen a flintlock shotgun.”
Attendees were able to learn from experienced hunters and callers, including Jack Giblin, Jim Smith, Wayne Nailor, Jason Rohrer and Doug Brandeberg. They explained wild turkey vocabulary, demonstrated how to use each call and what the different sounds of the wild turkeys means. Each attendee also had the opportunity to build their own box call with Chip Bobb, NWTF Michaux-Yellow Breeches Chapter president, and take it home.
“At every station, we had a talk about turkey hunting safety,” Chip Bobb said. “When you’re using a call, knowing how to identify your target, and not shoot at just a call, because it could be another hunter.”
The local chapters also noted the generosity of the Big Spring Fish and Game Club for the grounds and facilities that help make the event possible.
Established in 1981, the NWTF’s JAKES program is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youth 17 and younger in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of America's natural resources. JAKES events help pass on the traditions of responsible hunting and teach the principles of habitat management, 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.