Hunter and Angler Groups Offer Free Youth Skills Day

Today's youth have lots of things they can do with their time. In addition to family, school and even jobs, today's young people have nearly unlimited access to all forms of activities and entertainment. More traditional leisure time activities, such as fishing and hunting, are taking a backseat to Xboxes and MP3 players. There are many reasons for this shift, but hunter and angler groups of the Upper Snake Region have joined forces to offer youths a chance to experience a variety of outdoor activities on Saturday, May 19, at Beaver Dick Park on Highway 33 outside Rexburg. While Idaho is outdoor paradise, with all kinds of opportunity for fishing, hunting, trapping and horse packing, many young people don't know how to make the initial contact to get started. Activities the whole family enjoyed have failed to make the jump to the youngest generation. It seems no one in the family knows how to do the activity any more, or lacks the gear, but more than likely doesn't have the time to get out. Hunter and angler groups in the Upper Snake Region have taken the step to reach out to young people. Many of these outdoor enthusiasts may look rugged on the outside, but on the inside they have a tender spot for the activities they love, and they want to make sure the traditions carry on. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Everyone who takes part in at least six of the mini-seminars will be entered in a drawing for a new rifle. The seminars are all free and will cover such topics as fishing, archery, trapping, turkey calling, muzzleloading, hound dogging, horse and llama packing and falconry. A trailer with a portable laser shooting gallery also will be on hand for youngsters to test their skills. Beaver Dick Park's location on the banks of the Henry's Fork and right next to Idaho Fish and Game's Cartier Slough Wildlife Management Area, means that youths are guaranteed a chance to enjoy all the area has to offer. Children of all ages are welcome and families are encouraged to attend. There is sure to be something for everyone, and the goal is to get more people out to enjoy the great outdoors of Idaho. For information call IDFG at 208-525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).