Pheasants Forever, High Plains Chapter 321 youth pheasant hunt

5 a.m. started the day with the smell of bacon floating over the Silver Wings Hunting Ranch at LaGrange Wyo. in wait of the 20 young hunters and their Parent or Gaurdian. Breakfast was served at 7 a.m. to curb the hunger and ease the excitement of what lay ahead. 

After a little bit of shotgun safety by Jim Dawson (Wyoming Game and Fish Hunter Education Instructor) two groups were formed and the more experienced headed to the field while the others stayed back for a round of sporting clays. 

After a 2 hour hunt the groups swapped places. Dog handlers from the Hidden Pines Retriever Club out of Cheyenne split up into 8 different hunts throughout the morning and were very successful as 45/50 birds were taken by the 20 hunters. 

Alex Romig, former Texas Trail Ringneck member said "I would drive for 3 to 4 hours to help with this event. It is just so fun and cool to watch and see these young kids actually get a pheasant for their first time." 

Kids are accepted in at the age of 10 and for some this is the first hunt they have experienced. James Estes who is a member of the Texas Trail Ringnecks stated, "I'm so sad the day is over. I wish I were still out there. That was so much fun." This was James 2nd hunt but the 1st to actually harvest 2 birds and was so excited to show them off to family and friends.

Pheasants Forevers (No Child Left Indoors) program has kept the Youth Advisors busy as they continually try to provide an opportunity for all interested kids to get involved and connect with the outdoors. The National Organization allows local chapters to spend its fundraising efforts on local projects that include but are not limited to Habitat, Woody cover, food plots, water guzzlers and Outdoor Youth and family programs. 

These activities can't and don't happen with out the help of volunteers and donors. A special thanks to The Loverchecks at the Silverwings Hunting ranch, Coca Cola, Texas Trail Market, Wyoming Game and Fish, Hidden Pines Retriever Club, all the volunteers, Parents and especially the kids. 

Anyone interested in Pheasants Forever memberships, projects or events may contact Brian Mann (307)635-1885 or Dean Bowman at (307)245-3649.