Upper Snake Sportsmen To Offer Youth Skills Day

Today's youth have lots of things that they can do with their time, probably too many things. 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 the sportsmen's groups of the Upper Snake Region have joined forces to offer youths a chance to experience a variety of outdoor activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at Beaver Dick Park on Highway 33 outside Rexburg. While Idaho is sportsman's paradise, with all kids of opportunity for exciting outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, trapping and horse packing, many young people don't know how to make the initial contact to get started. What used to be an activity that the whole family enjoyed, such as fishing, has failed to make the jump to our 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. Sportsmen's groups in the Upper Snake Region have taken the step to reach out to young people; they want to make sure the sporting traditions carry-on. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., and everyone who takes part in at least six of the mini-seminars will be entered in a drawing for a rifle. The seminars are free and will cover such topics as fishing, archery, trapping, turkey calling, boat safety, duck hunting, muzzleloading, hound hunting and horse packing. A trailer with a portable laser shooting gallery will also be on hand for youngsters to test their skills. Beaver Dick Park is along the banks of the Henry's Fork and next to Idaho Fish and Game's Cartier Slough Wildlife Management Area. 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 enjoying the great outdoors of Idaho. For more information call Fish and Game at 208-525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).