The Shiawassee County Pheasants Forever Chapter No. 399 Fall Youth Hunt will be Saturday, Oct. 17. For information or to register a hunter persons may contact Dan McMaster at dmcmaster@grassrootsmidwest.com, or call/text (517) 202-9908.
The hunts are open to boys and girls that have successfully completed a hunter safety course and pay a $15 Ringneck Membership to Pheasants Forever. Hunts take place just north of St. Johns at Woodland Acres, 1613 E. Mead Road, St. Johns, MI 48879.
The hunts are divided into morning and afternoon groups. Each group will participate in a mock hunt, and shoot a few clay pigeons prior to going to the fields. Both groups will have lunch together at mid-day. Each group will consist of 10 to 12 youths and four birds will be planted per youth.
“The emphasis is on safety and sportsmanship,” said McMaster. “This is a great event for your beginning hunter. The boys and girls will hunt in pairs under the close supervision of a guide/dog handler. They will hunt fields in which there will be four birds released for each hunter, giving them the opportunity to see a dog work the field, and experience the full excitement of the sport.
“Again, the emphasis is on safety and good sportsmanship. Shiawassee Pheasants Forever No. 399 reserves the right to restrict the hunt to youth that demonstrate sufficient control of a firearm and command of the rules of firearm safety. We request all kids become members of Pheasants Forever Ringnecks.
“We suggest that all participants get some experience by shooting trap prior to the event. Many local gun clubs have public shooting hours. The cost is minimal and the club members are always happy to help new participants in this great sport.”
The Schedule for the Hunt: 7:30 a.m. is registration; 8 a.m., Trap line to allow kids to practice prior to the hunt; Handlers and dogs will be assigned to fields and birds planted; 8:50, Kids leave for the fields for the morning hunt; 11:45, Hard stop for morning hunt.
Noon, Lunch for both groups and volunteers; Handlers and dogs will be assigned to fields and birds planted; 12:50, Kids leave for the fields for the afternoon hunt; 3, End of hunt for the afternoon hunt.
