Kids hunt chukar, learn variety of hunting-related topics; registration deadline Oct. 13

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, in cooperation with Pheasant Runn and the Hunting Heritage Group, Inc., (HHG), will host the third annual youth upland hunt in memory of a former volunteer Darrell Brown. The event will be held 30 miles west of Hays at Pheasant Runn controlled shooting area.

The hunt is for 36 youth ages 12 through 18. Each youth hunter will have the opportunity to harvest at least four chukars while hunting over trained pointing dogs. In the past, most participating youth have come from the surrounding area, but some have come from as far as Colorado and Tennessee.

Participants are taught a variety of other hunting-related topics, including hunting with dogs, field safety, dog training, gun handling, preparation of harvested birds, and upland bird habitat. The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is also incorporated into the event, providing participants with information and skills they need to avoid tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and violence.

Although special hunts like this are part of KDWP's "Pass It On" hunter recruitment and retention program, sponsors, volunteers, parents, and enthusiastic youngsters make it possible.

The registration deadline for this event is Oct. 13. For more information, phone natural resource officer Jason Hawman at 785-743-2942. There is no charge for the hunt.

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